Euro 2024 news: Grealish snub was a ‘tough call’, admits England boss Southgate

Gareth Southgate admits it was a ‘tough call’ to leave Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish out of England’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024 in Germany.

The former Aston Villa man has been a mainstay of Southgate’s tournament squads down the years, making 36 appearances since 2020 - but it seems a season largely spent on the sidelines (or in Phil Foden’s shadow) has cost him his seat on the plane.

And with Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon challenging in-form Foden for a place on England’s left flank, Southgate seems to have made the sensible decision, as well as overlooking the talents of Tottenham playmaker James Maddison.

Here is the 26-man squad Southgate has selected for the tournament:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

And the England manager told the press why he had omitted Grealish and Maddison from his plans for Euro 2024, saying: "The fact is we've got some players who have been playing extremely well all season in the league and we just feel other players have had stronger seasons - particularly in the past six months or so.

"We saw some fantastic performances the other night which underlined some of that and in the attacking area of the pitch we're blessed with a lot of options and they're all slightly different.

"[James Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they've been tough calls.

"They're calls we've gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.

"We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.

"It's sad to have to deliver that news to them."

Here, Sports News Blitz takes a look at the career of Grealish so far, who at 28 still has plenty of time to pull the England shirt on once again.

Early Days and Aston Villa

Youth Career: Imagine a six-year-old with shin pads bigger than his legs, darting around Aston Villa's youth academy like a hyperactive squirrel. That was little Jack.

Professional Debut: Fast forward to May 7, 2014, when Jack swapped his PlayStation for a Premier League pitch, debuting against Manchester City and probably thinking, "Wait, these players are real?!"

Breakthrough: In 2014-2015, Jack became Aston Villa's secret weapon, dazzling in the FA Cup like a magician pulling rabbits out of hats. Sadly, they didn't win the cup, but Jack's hair was immaculate.

Making a Name for Himself

Championship and Promotion: After Villa’s relegation in 2016, Jack stayed loyal. He led the charge back to the Premier League like a knight in shining... shin guards, sealing promotion with a heroic play-off final win against Derby County.

Captaincy: By March 2019, Jack was crowned captain, not with a scepter, but with the responsibility of steering the Villa ship through the treacherous waters of the Premier League.

Premier League Heroics

Top-Flight Return: Back in the Premier League, Jack dazzled like a disco ball at a 70s party, racking up assists and key passes.

Defenders fouled him so often, you'd think they mistook him for a piñata.

Stats and Style: Grealish’s stats were as shiny as his gelled-up hair, making him a household name and causing a surge in hair product sales across Birmingham.

Big Money Move to Manchester City

Record Transfer: In August 2021, Jack made headlines (and hairlines) by signing with Manchester City for a cool £100million. His transfer fee could buy you a small island or a lifetime supply of hair gel.

Role at City: Under Pep Guardiola, Jack became part of a squad so stacked with talent, it was like playing FIFA on easy mode. He continued to dazzle, now with a Manchester postcode.

International Flair

England Debut: Jack’s England debut in September 2020 was like a royal coronation, except with fewer crowns and more shin pads. He quickly became a fan favorite, dazzling opponents and fans alike.

Euro 2020: At Euro 2020, Jack was England’s secret weapon off the bench, like a human cheat code. The team reached the final, but Italy said, "Not today, mate," winning on penalties. Jack’s hair, however, remained flawless throughout.

Playing Style and Fame

Style on and off the Pitch: Known for dribbling through defenses like a hot knife through butter, Jack’s style is as smooth as his transitions from the pitch to the hair salon. He plays either as a winger or an attacking midfielder, always ready to outwit opponents with his skill and charm.

Recognition and Awards: Jack’s trophy cabinet might still have some space, but his awards for style and entertainment are overflowing. He’s been praised by everyone from pundits to his nan, solidifying his spot as one of England’s most beloved footballers.

Jack Grealish continues to light up the football world with his talent, charisma, and impeccable hair, proving that while he may take the game seriously, he never takes himself too seriously.

READ MORE: Euro 2024: A look at England’s fixtures, opponents and their path to glory