In a surprising turn of events, Gareth Southgate has excluded Jack Grealish from England's final 26-man squad for Euro 2024, reported by GOAL. The Manchester City star’s omission sent shockwaves through the football community, leaving fans and teammates alike in disbelief. Grealish, a key player for City, was expected to be a significant part of England's campaign in Germany. However, his absence has now raised questions and concerns about the Three Lions' chances in the tournament.

Grealish's teammates were reportedly stunned by the decision. The Telegraph revealed that a senior England player approached Southgate to seek clarity on why the talented winger was left out. This player aimed to understand the rationale behind the exclusion and communicate it to the rest of the squad. Grealish, who was ‘stunned and upset' by the news, received support from his teammates as they tried to come to terms with the unexpected move.

Gareth Southgate's explanation

Southgate addressed the media on Thursday to explain his decision for Euro 2024. He highlighted the abundance of attacking options available to him, suggesting that the choice to leave out Grealish was a difficult but necessary one. “In the attacking positions, we’re blessed with a lot of options,” Southgate said. “James Maddison and Jack [Grealish] give us something different. They were tough calls, but we back our decisions and recognize we could’ve gone a different route. It was sad to have to deliver that news to them.”

Grealish's performance this season has been a topic of debate. The 28-year-old scored three goals and provided one assist in 20 Premier League appearances for Manchester City. While these numbers may seem underwhelming, Grealish's impact on the field often goes beyond simple statistics. His creativity, vision, and ability to draw defenders have been crucial for City. Despite this, Southgate seemed to feel that other players could offer more to the national team at this time.
The Bigger Picture: Impact on England’s Chances

The decision to leave out Grealish could have significant implications for England's performance in Euro 2024. Grealish's creativity and flair are qualities that can change the course of a game, and his absence might be felt when England faces strong defenses. The upcoming warm-up match against Iceland will provide some insights into how the team adjusts without him. The real test, however, will be their opening match against Serbia on June 16 in Germany.

What's next for Jack Grealish

As Grealish embarks on his summer break, questions linger about his future with the national team. Will he be able to reclaim his spot for future tournaments? How will he respond to this setback? Only time will tell. For now, Grealish must focus on his club career and hope that his performances in the coming season will make his case undeniable for the next international call-up.

England's journey in Euro 2024 begins with their final warm-up game against Iceland on Friday. This match will be crucial for Southgate to test his squad and finalize his strategies. The real challenge starts on June 16, when England faces Serbia in their first group stage match. The pressure is on for Southgate and his men to prove that leaving out Grealish was the right decision and to demonstrate that they have what it takes to go all the way in the tournament.

Gareth Southgate's decision to axe Jack Grealish from the Euro 2024 squad has sparked debate and concern among fans and pundits. While Southgate stands by his decision, only the results in Germany will ultimately determine if it was the right call. England’s path to glory will be closely watched, with every match scrutinized to see how the team copes without one of its most creative players. As the tournament unfolds, the spotlight will be on Southgate and his squad to deliver performances that justify the tough decisions made in the build-up to Euro 2024.