Manchester City star Jack Grealish has revealed that missing out on England’s squad for Euro 2024 was the ‘most difficult’ moment of his career so far.
Grealish emerged as a key player for Gareth Southgate ahead of Euro 2020 and played in five of England’s seven games at the tournament as they went all the way to the final before losing to Italy. The forward then followed that up by featuring in all five of the Three Lions’ matches at the 2022 World Cup.
However, Grealish endured a disappointing 2023/24 campaign, notching just three goals and three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions, ultimately losing out on the England squad for Euro 2024 in Germany this summer despite being named in the provisional squad.
And so, Grealish had to watch on as, despite some disappointing performances, England reached another final before eventually losing 2-1 to Spain.
“When you are on your holidays, every time you turn on the phone or the TV you just see it [the tournament], so it was hard not to see,” said Grealish (via BBC Sport), who has 36 England caps to his name.
“I’ll be honest, football-wise it was the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to deal with in terms of my own career.
“I was absolutely heartbroken. For myself now moving forward, I have to just try and use that as motivation going into this season.”
Grealish’s most successful role in an England shirt to date has arguably been as an impact substitute, coming into games late on to give the Three Lions a more direct approach and putting opponents on the back foot.
While every player wants to be a starter, Grealish’s ability to ‘offer something different’ would have been a valuable asset in Germany over the summer, according to the player himself.
“I felt I should have been in the [England] squad,” the 28-year-old added.
“I feel like I offer something different to players in the England squad. But it is what it is.
“As I said, it was the hardest moment for me as a footballer. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my career.”
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