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

Jack Grealish from Manchester City feels he deserves a spot on England's Euro 2024 team and has great admiration for interim manager Lee Carsley.

Grealish, 29, felt "crushed" when he found out he wasn't included in Gareth Southgate's 26-player roster for the tournament, where England ultimately fell to Spain in the final match.

Nonetheless, Carsley has chosen to include the City playmaker in the lineup for both matches he has managed since taking over temporarily from Southgate.

"I'll be straightforward with you—I didn’t completely see eye to eye with it," Grealish mentioned on BBC Radio 5 Live.

Grealish acknowledged that he didn't have the greatest season with his club, but he mentioned, "It's important to have a good balance in all areas on the field, and I consider myself to be fairly experienced at this point."

"I've achieved a lot lately, so when you asked me if I should have gone, I still believe I should have. However, it clearly wasn't in the cards."

When asked if he felt the need to demonstrate something upon rejoining the England team for the internationals in September, he replied, "Absolutely, I wanted to come in, train hard, and perform at my best."

"I appreciate Manager Lee Carsley for believing in me and providing me with that opportunity."

"It clearly meant a great deal to me. Throughout my career, I've noticed that when I've worked with managers who trust me and communicate effectively, like he has during the last two sessions, it really boosts my performance."

"It gives me the impression that the manager truly values my contributions, and I can’t say enough good things about him since I started here."

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

Jack Grealish, who became the first British player to be signed for £100 million when he moved to Manchester City from Aston Villa in August 2021, is eager to secure a place in the starting team for England's match against Greece on Thursday, followed by a game against Finland on Sunday.

Grealish described missing the Euro 2024 as "likely the hardest time I've ever faced," but he added that the arrival of his daughter last week was "the most incredible moment of my life."

In an astonishing series of events within just 24 hours, Grealish had to leave his training session and catch a train to London early Friday morning to witness the birth. Afterward, he took a flight to Newcastle, landing shortly after midnight, and went on to play for City in their Premier League match at noon on Saturday.

"I'm not exactly sure how to put it into words; you experience so many wonderful moments throughout your life, but this one truly stands out," Grealish mentioned.

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

The 27-year-old last represented the England national team when he came on as a substitute in a match against Brazil back in 2017, marking his only appearance for the Three Lions.

"I've put in a lot of effort to reach this point," Solanke mentioned on Tuesday.

"That's just how football works. Everything unfolds in its own time for you. Each person's path is unique."

"I wouldn't want it to be different. It seems like this is the path I was meant to take, and I really sense that my performance is coming together right now."

This summer, Spurs acquired Solanke in a deal that could reach £65 million. Last season, he impressed by netting 19 goals in 38 Premier League matches with Bournemouth.

He has scored three goals in eight matches for Tottenham up to this point. His beginning in north London was affected by an ankle injury, but he might be set to start for England on Thursday since captain Harry Kane is uncertain to play against Greece.

"I always had faith that I would return to this point, and that was my mentality. It was one of the goals I was striving to achieve," Solanke expressed.

"I'm really grateful to be back here at this moment, and I hope to remain for a while."

"The dream is to proudly represent your nation, and no matter how many times you get the chance, that feeling never changes."