In a seismic decision that has sent shockwaves through English football, Gareth Southgate has axed Jack Grealish from his provisional 33-man England squad for Euro 2024. The Manchester City winger, a fan favourite and a key figure in the Three Lions' recent campaigns, has been deemed surplus to requirements in a move that has stunned pundits and supporters alike.
The omission comes at a particularly tumultuous time for the 28-year-old, whose club future is also the subject of intense speculation. Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel, a long-term admirer of Grealish, is reportedly keen on bringing the Englishman to the Bundesliga giants.
Southgate's Surprising Squad Selection
Grealish's exclusion is arguably the most headline-grabbing news from Southgate's initial selection. The England boss has instead placed his faith in other attacking options, including the in-form duo of Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze, alongside the established talents of Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. This suggests a significant shift in preference, favouring current form and perhaps a different tactical profile over Grealish's unique creative flair.
The winger's limited playing time at Manchester City this season, often finding himself behind Jeremy Doku in the pecking order, is believed to be a critical factor in Southgate's difficult choice. Despite his undeniable talent and ability to change games, a lack of consistent minutes appears to have cost him a place on the plane to Germany.
Tuchel's Bayern Munich Ready to Pounce
Adding a fascinating layer to this saga is the strong interest from Thomas Tuchel. The esteemed German coach, who will be leaving Bayern Munich this summer, has previously tried to sign Grealish during his tenure at Chelsea. Reports now indicate that Tuchel has urged the Bayern hierarchy to make a move for the English international before his departure.
This potential transfer could offer Grealish a fresh start and a chance to become the central talisman he has often been, a role sometimes limited at a star-studded club like Manchester City. A blockbuster move to the Bundesliga could be the catalyst he needs to reignite his career and force his way back into the England setup.
For now, Grealish faces an anxious wait to see if an injury to another player could grant him a late reprieve for the Euros. Meanwhile, his future at the club level looks set to dominate the summer transfer window, with a German adventure potentially on the horizon.
