Why Gareth Southgate Left Jack Grealish on the Bench Again
England faced North Macedonia on Monday evening in their fourth Euro qualifier match, hoping to maintain their perfect start to the campaign. However, fans were disappointed to see Jack Grealish left on the bench yet again. The Manchester City winger had already been benched during England’s 4-0 win over Malta on Friday night.
The Starting Lineup
Southgate named John Stones and Kyle Walker in the starting lineup, both of whom are Grealish’s Manchester City teammates. Jordan Pickford, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford made up the rest of the side.
Grealish’s Party Mode
Several videos emerged of Grealish partying after Manchester City won the Champions League earlier this month. Pep Guardiola’s men defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in Istanbul, where the squad celebrated until the early hours of the morning. Grealish was even spotted at 7am still in his City kit, singing songs along with Kyle Walker and Erling Haaland.
The celebrations continued in Ibiza, where Grealish and his teammates continued their booze cruise. Finally, the winger and the rest of the players reunited in Manchester for the open-top bus parade last Monday showing off their Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies.
Southgate Addresses Grealish’s Boozing
Southgate had addressed City’s England stars on their antics over the week but insisted everyone is raring to go. “We are going to have to take it bit by bit and see how they are,” he said. “I spoke to them when they arrived, firstly to say what an incredible achievement. We said we are heading into the unknown, there is no way of knowing individually how they are going to react and respond to what they’ve been through.”
The Decision to Bench Grealish
Southgate’s decision to bench Grealish has been met with criticism from fans and pundits alike. Grealish is widely regarded as one of England’s most talented players, and many believe he should be starting every game. However, Southgate has his reasons for leaving him on the bench.
The England manager has a lot of considerations to make, particularly with the players who arrived later and are coming off the back of a massive emotional high with the game at the weekend. Southgate is always monitoring everything the players do, wherever they are. He knows his players inside out and is used to dealing with the Champions League scenario.
Southgate’s Focus on the Team
Southgate’s focus is on the team now. He has said to the players he has to push them to get the results they need. “The responsibility lies with them, they have to drive the team and get the performance we want.”
England are expected to continue their perfect start when they take on North Macedonia at Old Trafford on Monday night, live on talkSPORT. The Three Lions have conceded just once so far, but the European minnows have proved they have goals in them with budding stars such as Elif Elmas, who won Serie A with Napoli this season.
In Conclusion
Southgate’s decision to bench Grealish has been met with criticism, but he has his reasons for doing so. The England manager is always monitoring his players and knows them inside out. His focus is on the team now, and he has said to the players he has to push them to get the results they need. England fans will be hoping for another win against North Macedonia and a chance for Grealish to prove himself on the pitch.