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Jack Grealish was left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024 (Image: VISIONHAUS)
Eberechi Eze's inclusion in England's final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 has reportedly sparked surprise among Germany players and staff, who were expecting Jack Grealish to be chosen, according to reports.
Gareth Southgate has confirmed his Three Lions selection for this year's tournament in Germany. Much talk has revolved around the omission of some high-profile figures, including 28-year-old Grealish and Tottenham midfielder James Maddison.
Three-capped international Eze was unexpectedly preferred over the thrice Premier League champion, as were other less internationally experienced players like Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon.
Despite being seen as an unlikely pick, Eze has caught Southgate's eye with his outstanding form for Crystal Palace and a stellar performance in England's 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
While the 25-year-old has a considerable fan base, his selection over former Aston Villa skipper Grealish has allegedly bewildered the German side.
Sources at The Independent claim that many members of Die Mannschaft were stunned when they saw the English squad heading to Germany. It also suggested that while Grealish is viewed as a player who 'provokes fear in opposition when he runs at them'.
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They are not yet as fearful as Eze who will be desperate to prove a point this summer.
Grealish, a firm favourite in the England squad, became a vital part during the nation's thrilling journey to the Euro 2020 final. Fans were regularly clamouring for his introduction off the bench due to his electrifying impact.
Despite the vocal disappointment from fellow players like Maddison and Harry Maguire, who have rallied behind the team despite not heading to the tournament, Grealish has maintained a dignified silence over his exclusion from the latest squad.
Gareth Southgate, when pressed about his decision, remarked: "The players took the news respectfully. Of course players believe they should be in.
Eberechi Eze is in the final 26-man England squad for the Euros (Image: GETTY)
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"And that's why they are top players because they have self belief and they have that mindset.
"But the fact is we have players who have been playing extremely well all season in the league and we just feel other players have had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months or so."
"In the attacking areas we are blessed with a lot of options all slightly different. They've been tough calls, calls we've gone over and over as staff to try and be fair and to try and get the right rationale.
"We back our decisions, but we recognise we could have gone a different route."
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Grealish's season with Manchester City was marred by challenges, despite him securing his third consecutive Premier League title.
Even Pep Guardiola conceded in February that Grealish hadn't quite hit the heights of his previous, stellar campaign, with his performances instrumental in City's treble success.
While being questioned if Grealish's recent form contributed to his decision, Southgate chose to shield the player rather than disclose his in-depth reasoning. His words were: "I don't think today would be a good day to talk about the bigger picture. I don't think that would be fair.
"I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated. I think the world of him as a kid. Yes. I am not going to go any broader than that."
