Revealed: Gareth Southgate’s players were ‘shocked’ by his call to axe Jack Grealish from England’s Euro 2024 squad… as one senior star ‘confronted the boss to understand his decision’

The omission of Jack Grealish from Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024 was reportedly so shocking that a senior member of the squad approached the England manager to understand his reasoning.

There were rumors that Grealish would not make the cut along with Harry Maguire, who Mail Sport also predicted would miss due to a calf injury.

Southgate has now confirmed that the Manchester City star will not be on the flight to Germany as he seemingly pays the price for a disappointing season with the Premier League winners.

However, the decision to drop the 28-year-old winger has drawn mixed reactions from fans on social media. And according to The TelegraphThere was even some consternation among the English camp.

The outlet reports that a player spoke to Southgate in the immediate aftermath to try to understand the call and explain it to teammates. Others are said to have rallied around the 28-year-old.

They further claim that Grealish was ‘stunned and appalled’, although there is no suggestion the decision gave rise to an argument or confrontation.

Aware that his place was in danger, Grealish had his holiday cut short. The players of Man City and Man United were not expected to report until early this week after their participation in the FA Cup final on May 25.

However, Grealish decided to join the group in Darlington as soon as possible. His show of dedication and productive performance against Bosnia on Monday reportedly raised hopes that he would be included in the final squad.

The Telegraph claims that ‘shocked players visited Grealish’s room after hearing he was going home, with some telling him he should have been in the squad.’

They state that his departure was ‘professional’ and that he wished the remaining team and staff a good head start in the tournament.

The unrest was shared among money fans and commentators on social media. Football writer and content creator Umir said: ‘A real omission, because of his profile and what he has to offer in certain knockout game states, I find insane.

‘Know that he is not in the best form competitively, but his ability to bring the ball upfield and make mistakes as an outlet is also a top retainer in high chances.’

Another angry fan, Rebekah, wrote: ‘Jack Grealish from England?! That’s crazy.’

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They wrote: ‘When England are 1-0 up with 25 minutes to go in the quarter-finals, Southgate is not the type of manager to try to grab a second. He prefers to keep the ball and watch the game without taking any risks. I don’t think there are many better at that in the England team than Jack Grealish.’

Football and sports writer Amos Murphy said that despite his form, Grealish deserved to go to the European Championship based on his profile as a footballer.

He wrote: ‘Jack Grealish didn’t deserve to go to Germany based on his form this season, but his profile is different to all the other players in the squad. As dazzling as Eze, Gordon and Bowen are, they are game changers and not game winners. Small lead with 20 to play in a KO game, that’s Grealish what you want.