Jack Grealish's Heartbreak Over Euro 2024 Snub

Jack Grealish, the talented winger for Manchester City, is still grappling with the disappointment of not being selected for England's Euro 2024 squad, despite feeling the support of interim manager Lee Carsley.

The 29-year-old, who was a key player as the national team reached the finals of Euro 2020 and the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup, expressed his heartbreak over being omitted from the squad for this summer's tournament in Germany. He described it as "one of the most difficult periods" of his life, emphasizing the emotional toll it took on him.

“I think everyone can imagine I was absolutely devastated,” Grealish told BBC Radio 5 Live. His absence from the team is something he continues to reflect on as he strives to return to top form. “I felt like I didn’t have the best season,” he said, acknowledging the impressive performances of fellow wingers like Phil Foden and Anthony Gordon. Grealish, however, insists his contributions to the team extend beyond merely scoring goals; he views himself as a seasoned player capable of making a significant impact in big matches.

A Fresh Start Under Lee Carsley

After a rare summer break, Grealish returned to the England fold and seized the opportunity to impress under Carsley, who afforded him trust and playing time in the Nations League matches against Ireland. He managed to score in a meaningful 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland, a team he previously represented at youth level before declaring for England.

Grealish expressed gratitude towards Carsley, stating, “I thank the manager here, Lee Carsley, for giving me that chance and having that trust in me. It’s obviously really meant a lot.” The winger praised the supportive atmosphere within the camp, contrasting it with the pressures faced by the national team's previous management. He remarked on the importance of trust and communication with managers, revealing that he feels more valued under Carsley’s guidance.

Joy of Fatherhood

As Grealish readies himself to contribute to the team's efforts in the upcoming Nations League games against Greece and Finland, his life has taken an exciting personal turn as he recently became a father. His partner Sasha gave birth to their daughter, Mila Rose, on September 27. He shared the joy of fatherhood, remarking, “It was the best moment of my life,” and humorously added that Carsley has a challenging job ahead of making selections with such an abundance of talent to choose from in the squad.

With hope and renewed purpose, Grealish continues his football journey, eager to make an impact on and off the pitch as he navigates the complexities of both parenthood and professional sport.