English player praises Lee Carsley, who replaced Gareth Southgate as interim manager.
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Jack Grealish, one of England's most recognizable footballers, was notably left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024, a decision that caught many fans and pundits by surprise.
In an interview with the BBC, Grealish opened up about his frustration and disappointment over the omission, revealing how it felt to miss out on one of the biggest tournaments in European football.
Grealish, who had been a regular feature in Southgate’s squads in previous years, didn’t hold back in expressing his feelings about the decision. “To be honest, I didn’t agree with the decision,” the Manchester City winger admitted. While acknowledging that his own form had not been stellar, Grealish pointed to the fact that players in similar positions, like Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, and Jarrod Bowen, were included, largely due to their impressive goal-scoring performances. "I know I didn’t have the best season. Some players in my position, like Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, and Jarrod Bowen, scored a lot of goals, and I agree with their call-ups,” he stated, showing respect for his peers’ achievements.
However, Grealish also highlighted an important aspect of his playing style that he felt wasn’t fully appreciated. "My game isn’t based on scoring," he explained, suggesting that his contribution to the team extends beyond just goals. "I think there needs to be a bit of balance in all positions on the field," he added, hinting that his strengths lie more in creativity, ball retention, and setting up opportunities for others. This is a view supported by his performances at Manchester City, where under Pep Guardiola, Grealish has often played a more subtle yet crucial role in the team’s build-up play, rather than focusing solely on goal-scoring.
Despite the setback, Grealish has not been entirely out of the international picture. Since Southgate’s decision to step down as England manager, Lee Carsley, the England Under-21 coach, has taken over the senior team on an interim basis. Under Carsley, Grealish has found a way back into the national squad, which has given him a new sense of hope and motivation. "I'm grateful to him for giving me this opportunity and for having faith in me. It obviously meant a lot to me,” Grealish remarked, showing appreciation for Carsley’s trust in his abilities.
Grealish’s praise for Carsley didn’t stop there. Reflecting on his career so far, he suggested that if he had played more under managers with similar levels of confidence and communication, it could have made a significant difference to his development. "I think if I had only played in my career under coaches who had confidence in me and communicated with me the way he did, it would have helped me a lot," he said, highlighting the importance of a good player-manager relationship in getting the best out of his talents.
For Grealish, this period represents a pivotal moment. His exclusion from the Euro 2024 squad may have been a low point, but the faith shown in him by Carsley, along with his ability to adapt and grow under Guardiola at Manchester City, suggests that he is determined to continue proving his worth at both club and international levels. At City, Grealish remains a key part of one of the most successful teams in Europe, and his ability to influence games, even without high goal numbers, demonstrates his unique value as a player.
Looking ahead, Grealish will no doubt have his sights set on regaining his place in England’s plans for future tournaments. His mixture of disappointment over the Euro 2024 snub and his gratitude for the support he has received from Carsley suggests that he is more motivated than ever to make a lasting impact. Whether as a creative force in the Premier League or as a potential key figure in England’s next chapter, Jack Grealish’s story is far from over. His blend of flair, vision, and determination ensures that his name will remain in the conversation for the highest levels of the game for some time to come.
Updated: 04:24, 9 Oct 2024
