GERMANY players have reportedly been left SHOCKED by Gareth Southgate’s decision to axe Jack Grealish from England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Grealish, 28, was one of seven players who failed to make the cut as Southgate trimmed his 33-man squad down to 26 on Thursday.
Eberechi Eze, 25, who currently boasts three international caps, was given the nod ahead of the three time Premier League winner.
The Crystal Palace forward was viewed as a fringe choice for the squad but managed to sway Southgate with his performances this season.
And now it is claimed that members in the Germany squad were amazed by Eze’s inclusion over ex-Aston Villa captain Grealish.
The Independent reports that many members of Die Mannschaft were “stunned” when they saw the England squad heading for Germany.
It also claimed Grealish was seen as a player who “provokes fear in opposition when he runs at them” and that they do not feel the same about Eze.
Grealish is considered to be one of the most popular players in the dressing room and the country.
In fact, ex-Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic said that it is “good news” for Serbia that Southgate has ditched Grealish and Marcus Rashford.
Matic wrote on X: “I would like to have players like Rashford and Grealish in the team. Players who can decide the game with one move! Not selected is good news for us.”
The Manchester City star joined James Maddison, Harry Maguire, Curtis Jones, Jarrel Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford in being sent home early by Southgate.
And while Maddison and Maguire have voiced their disappointment, Grealish has not yet made a public statement regarding his exit.
The £100million winger was reportedly left “stunned and upset” following his axe.
And it’s said that one senior player even approached the Three Lions boss to better understand the reasoning behind the decision.
Reports suggest that there was no heated row or argument between the player and Southgate, and that the star was seeking an explanation to pass on to the rest of the squad.
The squad as a whole were said to have been left shocked by the decision with a number of teammates heading to Grealish’s room after he had been informed of the manager’s decision.
