Former Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard has weighed in on Jack Grealish’s absence from England’s starting XI against Ukraine in the Euro 2024 qualifier..
Gareth Southgate chose to give James Maddison his first start for the Three Lions. Maddison’s only previous appearance came almost four years ago as a substitute in a Euro 2020 qualifying win over Montenegro.
His outstanding performances for Leicester City have earned him an international call-up. Grealish, meanwhile, made his 30th appearance for his country earlier this week in a 2-1 win over Italy.
Gerrard told Channel 4 after being dropped to the bench for the match at Wembley: “I think Jack will be disappointed he hasn’t started the game.”
I think he’ll get it; I thought he was playing in flashes the other night.
He’s a good player, but I believe having [James] Maddison inside the pitch helps us overload centrally. It will open up space on the outside for a natural left-back to find width and get crosses in.
England is so strong right now that I made three changes tonight with such a strong squad.”
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