Jack Grealish defends boss Gareth Southgate over England’s poor Nations League results

Jack Grealish believes the criticism of Gareth Southgate over the summer has been “very harsh” given the success he has enjoyed as England manager during this period.

While the country is still looking for its first senior men’s trophy since 1966, the Three Lions have never been closer to Sir Alf Ramsey’s heroes than the last two major tournaments.

Southgate led England to the World Cup semi-final four years ago, which was as surprising as it was unforgettable, before falling into a penalty shootout of Euro 2020 glory last summer.

Southgate came under fire after seeing his England side endure poor Nations League results

But the former defender has never strayed far from criticism, coming under fire after a challenging four-game Nations League slog in June ended with a 4-0 Molineux mauling by impatient Hungary.

“I think it was tough,” fan favorite Grealish said of Southgate’s response.

“Last year we reached the final and then the match in Hungary (we lost 1-0) at the beginning of the last camp, I think the last time we lost a match over 90 minutes, maybe Belgium was in November 2020 or something.

“So I think it’s really tough, especially (as you saw at) the World Cup and the European Championship how well the team did and the manager himself.

“I obviously thought it was hard, but sometimes that’s what you get when you’re English. I’ve certainly had my share!’

Grealish, the £100million man, knows a thing or two about control.

The 27-year-old had already been in the spotlight for last summer’s big money change from Aston Villa to Manchester City, but that only made matters worse for the attacking midfielder.

Grealish scored his first goal of the season in Wolves’ 3-0 defeat on Saturday, with Kevin De Bruyne suggesting English players like him have been unfairly targeted due to the country’s mentality of criticizing their own.

The Belgium international’s position was presented to Grealish, who smiled and said to the journalist: ‘I’ll ask you, shall I?’

When the reporter said he agreed, the England international said with a laugh: ‘I don’t know – I want to be friends with you!

Grealish has called criticism of Southgate ‘very harsh’, pointing to his tournament record

“I can clearly see a little bit where he’s coming from.

“But I think that’s just how it is in this country, especially when you yourself play for one of the biggest clubs in the world, who win trophies every year.

“And of course people will want to talk when I have the price tag on my head. It’s just something I need to (go on).

“I keep coming back to it and saying embrace it and it’s just part of it. But yes, I can see a bit where he comes from.’

Grealish seems to be up for everything – both good and bad – which he will continue to do in England’s tight Nations League double-header.

The Three Lions will be relegated if they lose Friday’s game in San Siro against Italy, before taking on old foes Germany on Monday – the last game of their last camp before the World Cup kicks off in November.

“I think for us it’s something that we’re obviously aware of, but something we’re all embracing,” Grealish said.

The playmaker wants to start for his country, but knows he can make an impact from the bench

“Mostly, I’m not going to speak on behalf of the manager, but I’m sure he has certain players who are 100 per cent going to the World Cup, and then of course there are certain places and numbers that are still up for grabs. We all just train as normal.

“We now have two games that will be very tough opponents and this is really like your pre-World Cup camp.

“We said before the European Championship that we had a few good weeks of training and good friendlies, and we’re not going to make it this time.

“But everyone is in this together, so it’s something we should embrace and look forward to.”

Grealish has been quick to please England fans since he made his debut in September 2020, but the fact that 11 of his 23 caps have come as substitutes underlines the work needed to step up.

“I would love to be (starting), but I also know what an impact I can have from the bench,” he added. “I’m not going to sit here and say, ‘that’s what I am – someone who just comes up.’

“I started one game at the European Championship and got an assist, which I was very happy with.

“The manager is the manager and if he and his staff decide to play against me I’ll give it my all and also if I’m on the bench I’m ready to act as an impact sub.”