Jack Grealish: I should have been part of England's Euro 2024 squad

Jack Grealish from Manchester City feels that he ought to have been included in England's Euro 2024 team and has nothing but praise for interim manager Lee Carsley.

Grealish, who is 29 years old, felt "crushed" when he wasn't included in Gareth Southgate's 26-player roster for the competition, where England ended up losing to Spain in the final.

Nonetheless, Carsley has included the City playmaker in the starting lineup for both matches he has managed since taking over from Southgate on a temporary basis.

"To be straightforward, I didn't entirely see eye to eye with it," Grealish shared with BBC Radio 5 Live.

Grealish acknowledged that he didn't have the strongest season with his club. However, he also mentioned that it's important to maintain a balance across all positions on the field, and he considers himself to be quite seasoned as a player at this point.

"I've achieved a lot lately, so when you asked me if I should have gone, I still believe it would have been a good idea. However, it seems like it just wasn't in the cards."

When asked if he felt he had something to prove upon his return to the England team for the September matches, he replied: "Absolutely, I aimed to come here, train hard, and perform at my best."

"I really appreciate Manager Lee Carsley for believing in me and allowing me the opportunity."

"It clearly holds a great deal of importance. Throughout my career, I've noticed that when I've worked with managers who have placed their trust in me and communicated effectively, like he has in the past two camps, it makes a significant difference for me."

"I truly feel appreciated by the manager, and I can't say enough good things about him since I've joined the team."

Last month, under Carsley's management, England secured 2-0 wins against both the Republic of Ireland and Finland in their opening matches, with Grealish netting a goal in the game against Ireland.

Jack Grealish, who made headlines with his £100 million transfer to Manchester City from Aston Villa in August 2021, is aiming to secure a spot in the starting eleven as England prepares to take on Greece this Thursday, followed by a match against Finland on Sunday.

Grealish expressed that not being part of Euro 2024 was likely the toughest time he's ever faced. However, he shared that welcoming his daughter into the world last week has been the most joyous experience of his life.

In a remarkable 24-hour period, Grealish had to stop his training session and catch a train to London on Friday morning for the birth. After that, he flew to Newcastle, getting there just past midnight, and then started for City in the Premier League at noon on Saturday.

"I can't quite put it into words, but there are so many wonderful experiences in life, and this one truly stands out," Grealish expressed.

Tottenham forward Dominic Solanke expressed how significant it is for him to be rejoining the England squad after being away for seven years.

The 27-year-old was last selected for the Three Lions team when he came off the bench for his sole match against Brazil in 2017.

"I put in a lot of effort to reach this moment," Solanke expressed on Tuesday.

"It's simply a part of the game. Events unfold when they're meant to for you. Each person's path is unique."

"I wouldn't change a thing. I believe this is how it was meant to be for me, and I can sense that my performance is really coming together now."

Spurs brought in Solanke this summer for a deal that could reach £65 million, following his impressive performance last season where he netted 19 goals in 38 matches for Bournemouth in the Premier League.

So far, he has scored three goals in eight matches for Tottenham. His beginning in north London was hampered by an ankle injury, but he might get the chance to start for England on Thursday, especially since team captain Harry Kane is uncertain about playing against Greece.

"I always had faith that I would return to this point, and that was my focus. It was one of the goals I was striving for," Solanke shared.

I'm really glad to be back here, and I hope to be able to stay for a while.

"The essence of the dream is to embody your nation, and regardless of how often you get the chance, the experience remains unchanged."