Jack Grealish's reaction to being cut from Gareth Southgate's final 26-man England squad for Euro 2024 has emerged.
To the surprise of many, Grealish was one of seven players to be cut from Southgate's provisional squad, just days after featuring in their friendly clash against Bosnia.
The 26-year-old winger, who was recently backed by Pep Guardiola to return to form, registered three goals in 36 appearances for the Premier League champions this season.
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It was a far-from-perfect campaign for Grealish, but many expected him to feature for the Three Lions.
In fact, the former Aston Villa man was "caught off-guard" by his omission, according to The Athletic, who claim he expected to continue with the squad ahead of their clash against Iceland on Friday.
Southgate is believed to have spoken to Grealish shortly after training on Thursday.
The report goes on to mention there being "a lot of admiration" for Grealish's talent within the England squad, with teammates having "great affection" for his personality.
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According to The Telegraph, some of Grealish's team-mates visited his room to console him.
It is even claimed that one player spoke with Southgate in the aftermath - but only to understand his reasoning and to explain the situation to others. It is added that there were 'no rows or confrontation' within the camp.
The report adds that Grealish 'handled his exit from the England camp professionally, and wished the squad and staff well for the tournament'.
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The day before Grealish was informed about his omission, James Maddison was also told he would not feature at Euro 2024.
Maddison released a statement following the news, saying he was "devastated" by the decision. "I still thought there would be a space for me in a 26 man squad as I feel I bring something different," he added.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones was also cut from the 33-man preliminary alongside Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite, Harry Maguire and James Trafford.
The squad in full:
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Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
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Topics: Jack Grealish, England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate
Jack Kenmare