Jack Grealish opens up on Euro 2024 snub and how things are different under Carsley

7 days ago

Subscribe To Miguel Delaney's Free Newsletter

I’d like to receive emails from The Independent regarding special deals, upcoming events, and news updates. Please take a look at our privacy policy.

Jack Grealish - Figure 1 — Photo The Independent

Jack Grealish remains convinced that Gareth Southgate should have chosen him for Euro 2024, but he's appreciating the support he's receiving from interim England manager Lee Carsley.

At 29 years old, he was a notable absence from the campaign for success in Germany this summer. He had previously played a role in the team that made it to the final of Euro 2020 and reached the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Grealish felt utterly devastated when he was left out of the larger pre-tournament squad, and he still finds it hard to accept Southgate’s choice.

"I believe it's easy for anyone to understand just how heartbroken I was," the Manchester City winger shared with BBC Radio 5 Live. "I've said this before—it was likely one of the toughest times in my life, particularly regarding my football career."

"I believe that when you're faced with challenges, it's important to find a way to turn them into something positive. You should focus on what you can do to emerge from the experience even stronger and improved. I’m currently on that journey."

"I didn't think I had a great season. When I compare myself to players in my position, such as Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, and Jarrod Bowen, it’s clear they found the back of the net a lot more than I did, and I completely acknowledge that."

Jack Grealish - Figure 2 — Photo The Independent

"However, I'm aware that my contribution to the team goes beyond simply scoring goals. I believe I bring a lot more to the table than just putting the ball in the net."

"I believe that every role requires a certain level of balance, and I consider myself to be a player with significant experience at this point. I've participated in many important matches, including Champions League finals and FA Cup finals, and I've achieved a lot of success. Even so, I still feel I should have been selected, but it just wasn't in the cards."

Grealish processed his disappointment during a rare summer break, but he confesses that watching any of the Euros was quite challenging for him.

He was brought back into the squad for Carsley's initial picks after showing great potential at the beginning of the season with City, where he played in both Nations League games in September.

He stood out especially in the match against the Republic of Ireland, a team he had previously represented at the youth level before deciding to play for another nation. He took advantage of the competitive atmosphere to score during the 2-0 victory in Dublin.

“I came here with the goal of training hard and performing at my best,” Grealish explained. “I’m grateful to the manager, Lee Carsley, for believing in me and providing me with this opportunity. It truly means a lot to me.”

Jack Grealish - Figure 3 — Photo The Independent

Throughout my career, I've found that when I've worked with managers who believed in me and communicated effectively – as he has during the last two training sessions – it really boosts my performance.

"It gives me the impression that my manager truly values me, and I have nothing but praise for him since I’ve started."

Grealish avoided making comparisons between the coaching styles of Carsley and his predecessor Southgate, but he mentioned that he has experienced a great deal of support and confidence from the interim manager.

"I believe that being the England manager these days involves a lot more than just training sessions and match days," he stated. "They have to answer every kind of question imaginable, whether it's connected to football or not."

"I believe that ever since Carsley took on the role, he has been exceptional. I have nothing but praise for him, especially for his training sessions and the way he communicates his vision for our style of play, as well as how he wants me to contribute individually."

"I can't praise him enough, truly. When you listen to the younger players who were part of the (under-)21s talk about him, you can really see how they view him as a genuine father figure. I've witnessed that firsthand since I started working with him."

Grealish is back in the England squad, now as a dad, following the arrival of his first child, Mila Rose, born on September 27 to his partner Sasha.

He mentioned that his daughter has been getting good rest and playfully remarked that Carsley is in for more sleepless nights as he decides among talents like Jude Bellingham, Foden, Cole Palmer, and Grealish himself.

"I believe he'll have many more options with the players available to him!" Grealish commented before the Nations League matches against Greece and Finland.

"Having a daughter was truly a magical experience—definitely the highlight of my life. It's hard to put into words. You have lots of wonderful moments, but this one surpasses them all."