At 29, after being cut from Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the tournament, Grealish accepted the devastating news of England’s defeat to Spain in the finals. Grealish believes he deserves to be included owing to his experiences and merits. “For every position, there should be a balance,” he said to BBC Radio 5 Live. “I like to think I am now an experienced player; I’ve won plenty, so I consider I should have gone.”
Ever since Carsley took over as interim coach, Grealish has featured in both of England’s international September fixtures, even managing to find the net from a set piece-winning match against the Republic of Ireland. Grealish thanked Carsley for instilling that level of confidence in him: “It massively helps me a lot when a manager has faith in you and he speaks with you. I can’t speak highly enough of him.”
Grealish is expected to feature again for England when they take on Greece on Thursday and Finland on Sunday.
Reflecting on being left out of the Euro squad, Grealish admitted it was “probably the most difficult part of my life,” though he also said that recently becoming a father made it “the best moment” of his life. In one day, Grealish flew from London to witness the birth of his daughter and then straight back to Newcastle, where he would start for City in their Premier League match.
“It was unbelievable, I don’t really know how to explain it,” Grealish said, reflecting on a turning point in his life.
Everyone’s journey is different – Solanke
Tottenham Hotspur shooter Dominic Solanke expressed his elation at rejoining the England squad after seven years, calling it a moment that means so much.
Solanke, now 27, last represented the Three Lions in 2017, taking the field for a late cameo against Brazil. “I’ve worked really hard to reach this point. Things are about timing – it varies from person to person. I feel like this is how it had to happen for me, and my game is really beginning to come together now,” Solanke said on Tuesday as he reflected on his journey back into the fold.
After an impressive season at Bournemouth in which he scored 19 goals in 38 Premier League appearances, Solanke joined Spurs this summer in a deal worth up to £65 million. He has scored three goals in eight matches for Spurs already, despite an ankle injury cutting his start to the campaign short.
Kane’s fitness for Thursday’s match against Greece is still uncertain and with Solanke in the frame to be one of his possible replacements. “Good to be back here; I would always believe I would be. It has been something I have been chasing, and I am glad to finally be here. The dream has always been to represent your country and it does feel the same every time, no matter how many times you do it.”
