Jack Grealish, the Manchester City star, might not be joining the England squad for Euro 2024 as Gareth Southgate shares a concerning update on his inclusion, reported by GOAL.

Jack Grealish has had a challenging season with Manchester City, struggling to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. Despite his early return from holidays to join the England squad, his lack of consistent playtime is causing doubts about his position in the national team. Grealish was notably a benchwarmer in the FA Cup final and started only one of the last seven Premier League games, highlighting his dip in form.

Gareth Southgate’s take on Jack Grealish

Gareth Southgate, the England manager, addressed Grealish’s situation in a recent press conference. He acknowledged the midfielder’s challenging season but also emphasized Grealish’s potential contributions to the team. “We think we know who the best have been across the season, but what we don’t totally know is how many we need to take or how many we can allow ourselves to take because of the cover we might need in other positions as well,” Southgate said.

Southgate admitted that Grealish hasn’t played as much this season compared to the previous one. He highlighted the need to balance the squad, considering injuries and positional cover, making Grealish’s inclusion uncertain. “It’s obvious this season he [Grealish] has not played as much as last season. I’m sure he would have liked that to be different but we know the qualities he can bring and the qualities he has,” Southgate added.

Southgate faces a tough task ahead, with several key players unavailable for the upcoming match against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park. Key players like Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon, and Bukayo Saka are sidelined due to injuries. Additionally, John Stones will miss the match as he joined the squad late following the FA Cup final.

When asked about Maguire's availability for the Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen, Southgate was cautious, saying, “We don’t know that at the moment.”

Southgate’s approach to managing injuries is pragmatic, drawing from his extensive experience. He expressed skepticism about players’ self-assessments of their fitness, relying instead on medical reports. “They’re lying buggers really!” he said, reflecting his belief that players often underplay their injuries to secure a spot in the squad. Southgate emphasized that he consults players as little as possible when making final decisions about their fitness.

Upcoming decisions and challenges for Euro 2024

The pressure is mounting as Southgate must trim his squad to 26 players by Saturday, meaning seven players will face the disappointment of missing out on the trip to Germany. This process underscores the immense pressure on Southgate and his team to balance experience, fitness, and form in their selections.

Jack Grealish’s inclusion remains a major talking point. While his talent and flair are undeniable, his recent form and fitness issues raise significant questions. The next few days will be crucial for Grealish as Southgate finalizes his squad, balancing the need for seasoned players and those in peak form.

The England squad will soon face the critical test of the Euro 2024 campaign. The opener against Serbia on June 16 will be a significant match, setting the tone for the tournament. For Grealish, the focus will be on proving his fitness and form to secure his spot in the final squad.

As England prepares for Euro 2024, the decisions made in the coming days will shape the team's prospects. Grealish’s situation highlights the delicate balance Southgate must maintain between experienced players and those currently performing at their best. The next steps will be crucial for both the player and the national team as they aim for success in the tournament.