Kyle Walker makes frank Jack Grealish admission after Man City team-mate axed from England squad

Kyle Walker has admitted he was not shocked Jack Grealish was omitted from England’s Euro 2024 squad this summer.

The Manchester City winger was named in Gareth Southgate’s original 33-man roster but was among seven names dropped from the final squad that flew to Germany this week. Grealish was the shock player to be left out, with reports claiming the team were taken aback by Southgate’s decision.

The Three Lions boss said others had enjoyed better seasons than the ex-Aston Villa star, who started just one of the final seven City matches in 2023/24 and didn’t play a single minute in the last four games. Pep Guardiola admitted Grealish ‘struggled’ this season and even the player acknowledged he didn’t perform to his best.

For that reason, Walker said it didn’t surprise him when the 28-year-old was left out in place of Cole Palmer, Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon.

"Was I shocked because of the players he's brought in? No, because I think they're all at a great quality and they've all had great seasons," City’s captain told ITV.

"I think Jack would be the first one to say he could have had a better season. I think he's come out publicly and said he could have had a better season.

"So what does a manager base it on? Form or people that he knows that have had good tournaments or seasons before. You're here on merit and I believe it should be like that. You're in this team because you've played well for your club which then puts you into the England fold."