Robbie Fowler has given his verdict on one of the most-discussed exclusions from England’s squad for Euro 2024.
Jack Grealish is the man in question — whose omission from Three Lions’ 26-man squad emerged as a shock at the time and three games into the tournament, it is a decision that still splits opinion.
Paul Merson felt that one reason why the 28-year-old might have not made the cut is because he feels the decorated attacker would have been unhappy sitting on the bench. Furthermore, the pundit felt he would have approached Gareth Southgate asking him why he was not a starter for his side.
After England’s 1-1 draw against Denmark, it was reported that more players within the camp have started to discuss that excluding Grealish from the squad for the European Championship was a mistake.
Robbie Fowler drops Jack Grealish verdict as England prepare for Slovakia test
The alternatives for the £100 million man have been Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon — who have come off the bench to make cameos against Denmark and Slovenia respectively.
It seems like Gareth Southgate is wedded to the idea of playing Phil Foden as a left-winger and perhaps if the former Aston Villa wideman had been picked in the squad, he too would have barely been given a chance to play.
As England gear up to face Slovakia on Sunday, Robbie Fowler believes that the team are missing Grealish — who he would have started in the side.
Fowler told The Sunday Mirror (30/06/2024, page 77): “The side is also missing the ball-retention skills of Jack Grealish. I wouldn’t have just named the Manchester City winger in my squad. I would have played him.”
Jack Grealish would have helped England control games better
As Robbie Fowler stated, Grealish is brilliant at retaining the ball — a quality England have lacked at times during the European Championship.
Against Serbia and Denmark, Southgate’s side were often on the backfoot.
It seemed like both Serbia and Denmark could have won the game on another day — as they had quite a lot of the ball and were testing England at the back.
In games such as those as well as against a potential top teams in further rounds, Grealish’s ability to receive the ball under pressure, calm proceedings down, big-game experience and technical excellence would allow England to assert their authority on games.
With the three-time Premier League winner being a left-winger by trade, playing in the role would have come naturally to him, as opposed to Phil Foden.
How England fare in the tournament will give a further indication of whether they are well and truly missing Grealish.