Jack Grealish Grateful for Trust from Interim England Manager Lee Carsley

Jack Grealish, the Manchester City playmaker, expressed his gratitude towards Lee Carsley, the interim manager of the England national football team, for the faith shown in him following his exclusion from the Euro 2024 squad. The 29-year-old was “devastated” after being omitted from Gareth Southgate‘s 26-man squad for the tournament, where England finished as runners-up to Spain.

Grealish, who has since started in both games under Carsley’s temporary management, told BBC Radio 5 Live, “I will be honest with you – I didn’t really agree with it” regarding his exclusion. Despite acknowledging that he “didn’t have the best season” with Manchester City, he emphasized the importance of having a “balance in every position.” He added, “I class myself quite an experienced player now. I have won a lot of stuff now, so, yes, I still think I should have [been included].”

Under Carsley’s tenure, England secured 2-0 victories against the Republic of Ireland and Finland last month, with Grealish contributing a goal in the former match. Carsley took over following Southgate’s departure, and Grealish praised the interim manager for his communication and support, stating, “It really helps me. It makes me feel that the manager really does rate me and I can’t speak highly enough of him.”

Ahead of England’s upcoming matches against Greece and Finland, Grealish is expected to be among the starting lineup. Despite describing missing Euro 2024 as “probably the most difficult period of my life,” he shared that the birth of his daughter was “the best moment of my life.” Describing the eventful 24 hours, Grealish recounted traveling from training to London for the birth of his daughter and then flying to Newcastle to play for Manchester City.

In other team updates, Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke returned to the England squad after a seven-year absence, having last been capped in 2017. Solanke, who transferred to Tottenham for up to £65 million this summer, expressed his determination to seize the opportunity, saying, “I always believed that I would get back here.” With current captain Harry Kane dealing with a minor groin injury, both Solanke and Aston Villa‘s Ollie Watkins are on standby to start.

Reflecting on the challenges ahead for Carsley, Grealish humorously speculated that the interim manager might have “sleepless nights” trying to accommodate all the talent in the England squad. Emphasizing the supportive nature of his relationship with Carsley, Grealish mentioned, “It’s obviously really meant a lot.”