Jack Grealish, the Manchester City star, recently expressed his pride in his sister Hollie, who has cerebral palsy, for landing her first job as a waitress. Sharing a photo of Hollie at work, Jack wrote a heartfelt message congratulating her on the achievement and proclaiming her as “Birmingham’s best waitress.” This is not the first time Jack has spoken about the close bond he shares with his sister, referring to her as his “best friend” and his “inspiration.” Hollie joined Jack in celebrating Manchester City’s Premier League title win last month, where they shared a touching moment at the Etihad Stadium.
Hollie’s journey is particularly remarkable as she was born three months premature, and doctors initially doubted her ability to talk or walk. However, Hollie has defied expectations and can now do everything. Jack’s admiration for his sister shines through as he describes their strong relationship and expresses his love for her.
While Jack celebrates his sister’s achievements, he received disappointing news himself. Gareth Southgate, the England manager, recently announced that Jack would not be part of the England squad for Euro 2024 in Germany. Southgate acknowledged that delivering this news to Jack was difficult and expressed his admiration for him as a player. He emphasized the emotional impact this decision has on the individuals involved, recognizing that it is a devastating moment for players and their families.
Southgate also addressed the omission of James Maddison, another talented player who would have brought something different to the team. He acknowledged that these decisions were challenging and involved thorough discussions among the coaching staff. Despite standing by their choices, Southgate acknowledged that alternative paths could have been taken. He praised both Jack and Maddison for their character and contribution to the team.
In addition to Jack Grealish and James Maddison, Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah were also left out of the squad. Southgate explained that it was too early for Branthwaite to be included and that a balance of left-footed players was preferable. Quansah, on the other hand, remained with the team and will have the opportunity to experience an England international game at Wembley.
Overall, this recent news showcases the highs and lows of the football world. While Jack Grealish celebrates his sister’s accomplishments, he faces disappointment in not being selected for the England squad. The decision-making process for Southgate and his coaching staff is undoubtedly challenging, considering the impact it has on players and their families. These moments provide a glimpse into the personal and emotional aspects of professional football, reminding us that behind the scenes, there are individuals with their own stories and aspirations.