Football News Update: Euro 2024, Champions League, and More
In a surprising turn of events, England’s vice-captain Kyle Walker has backed manager Gareth Southgate’s decision to exclude Jack Grealish from the Euro 2024 squad. Walker, who plays alongside Grealish at Manchester City, believes the exclusion was justified, citing Grealish’s underwhelming performance during the club’s treble campaign last season.
“Was I shocked when Jack was left out? Shocked because I know what Jack can do. Was I shocked because of the players that he [Southgate] has brought in? No, because I think they’re all at a great quality and they’ve all had fantastic seasons,” Walker said in an interview with ITV Sport.
The manager’s decision to include players like Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, and Eberechi Eze, who have all had impressive seasons, was seen as more justified by the Manchester City defender.
“I think Jack would be the first one to say he could have had a better season. I think he’s come out publicly and said he could have had a better season. So what does a manager base it on? Form or people that he knows have had good tournaments or a good season the season before?” Walker added.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to start in England’s midfield for their opening game against Serbia on Sunday. Southgate believes the Liverpool player can offer the team “a different dimension” with his exceptional passing range.
“We think he can offer something we don’t have, he can give the team a different dimension and he’s been diligent in understanding the [midfield] role,” said Southgate. “He has as good a passing range as anyone in world football, really.”
In other football news, the 2024 Champions League final is set to take place on June 1st, while the FIFA World Cup in Canada, USA, and Mexico will commence on June 14th. The Women’s World Cup, hosted by Australia and New Zealand, is scheduled for July 10th to August 20th. In the Africa Cup of Nations, the standings remain tight as teams battle for a spot in the knockout stages.
Closer to home, the Premier League season is in full swing, with the EFL Cup, EFL Championship, EFL One, EFL Two, and FA Cup providing additional excitement for football fans across the country.
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