Germany’s players were reportedly ‘stunned’ that Jack Grealish was not included in England’s squad for Euro 2024 and that Eberechi Eze was.
On Thursday, Gareth Southgate announced his final 26-man squad for this summer’s European championships, with seven names dropping out.
Among the unlucky players was Grealish, with the decision to leave the attacking midfielder out shocking not only fans and pundits but also members of the England squad itself.
While the Manchester City attacking midfielder only recorded six goals and assists this season, he has often been dynamite for his country and even came off the bench to set up England’s second goal in the 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia last Monday.
And according to the Independent, the surprise at his omission went beyond our borders, with the Germany camp ‘stunned’ as they saw the 28-year-old as a ‘player who provokes fear in opposition when he runs at them’.
Instead of Grealish, Southgate has opted to pick the likes of Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze, the latter viewed as the City star’s direct replacement.
The Crystal Palace talisman had a far better season despite several injury set backs, recording 11 goals and six assists, yet the Germans do not view him in the same regard as Grealish.
That may be because Eze only has three caps to his name and has scarcely had the chance to show off his abilities on the world stage, but he’ll certainly get that opportunity now he’s on the plane to the Germany.
The 25-year-old is one of four Palace players in the squad – more than any other club – alongside Dean Henderson, Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton, with the latter only making his Three Lions debut as a sub in the Bosnia win.
Yet, the report adds that Southgate is seriously considering starting Wharton at the Euros in a midfield pivot with Declan Rice.
It would be an incredible risk given the 20-year-old’s lack of experience but he does possess all the qualities the manager is looking for, though there is strong competition for that spot in the starting XI.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher started against Bosnia, while Kobbie Mainoo was selected for Friday’s friendly against Iceland.
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