Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has given an honest answer on Jack Grealish’s omission from the England squad.
Grealish, 28, had been present in the last two major tournament squads for England at Euro 2020 and the World Cup in 2022, but did not make the final 26-man team this time round.
The City star was included in the provisional training squad but then joined the likes of Jarell Quansah, James Trafford, Curtis Jones and Jarrad Branthwaite in being dropped by the England boss.
Grealish started just 10 games for City in the Premier League this season, where he scored three goals and added just one assist.
“We just feel other players had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months or so,” England boss Gareth Southgate said on the decision to leave Grealish at home.
“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.”
His City teammate Walker has now been asked to comment on the decision from Southgate not to take Grealish, where he said: “Shocked because I know what Jack can do.
“Was | shocked because of the players he’s brought in? No because I think they’re all at a great quality and they’ve all had great seasons,” he said to ITV.
“I think Jack would be the first one to say he could have had a better season. I think he’s come out publicly and said he could have had a better season.
“So what does a manager base it on? Form or people that he knows that have had good tournaments or seasons before.
“You’re here on merit and I believe it should be like that. You’re in this team because you’ve played well for your club which then puts you into the England fold.”
Featured Image Credit: Getty/ITV
Topics: Manchester City, Kyle Walker, Jack Grealish, Euro 2024, Premier League, Gareth Southgate