‘Devastated’ - Gareth Southgate explains Jack Grealish omission from England’s Euro 2024 squad

Gareth Southgate has revealed Jack Grealish was ‘devastated’ at the news he has been left out of the England squad for this summer’s European Championships.

The Manchester City star was one of seven players cut from the original 33-man provisional group, along with James Trafford, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarell Quansah, Harry Maguire, Curtis Jones and James Madisson.

With Maguire injured, Grealish’s omission was the most surprising given the former Aston Villa star has been a part of England’s last two tournament squads and has 36 senior England caps.

But speaking after the news was confirmed on Thursday night, Southgate cited Grealish’s disappointing end to the season as the decisive factor, with the 28-year-old starting just one of the last seven matches while he didn’t play a single minute in the final four games.

“I have just ­delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated,” Southgate said. “I think the world of him as a kid.”

“I knew exactly last night where we were with James and didn’t want him to be hanging on and training when I knew I could tell him. I couldn’t do that with Jack until this morning.”

“All the players took the news really respectfully,” the Three Lions boss added. “Of course, all players will believe they should be in and that’s why they are top players.

“We just feel other players had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months or so. Attacking areas, in particular, we’re blessed with a lot of options, all slightly different.

“Madders and Jack both give us something different as well. They’ve been tough calls, calls that we as a group have gone over and over and over. We back our decisions, but recognise we could have gone a different route.”

While Grealish has been left out, there were call-ups for the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze in an England squad where form was evidently a key selection element.

“There’s some disappointment today but there’ll be a lot of excitement about players we’ve selected and to see some of the players who mean we’ve got a different look about us in terms of how we play,” said Southgate. 

“I think people will be captivated by that. For some [players], they’ve had few opportunities to play at Wembley and that’s hugely exciting for them. I’m trying to conduct myself ­respectfully because of the players who have gone today. But equally I’m hugely excited about the squad.”