Gareth Southgate explains to Jack Grealish that he has to leave the field.
Fan favorite Jack Grealish came on in the European Championship semi-finals to great applause. Why he was called back from the field a little later.
England is in the EURO final! On Sunday there will be a duel with Italy at Wembley Stadium. On Wednesday evening the “Three Lions” defeated Denmark 2-1 after extra time.
Team boss Gareth Southgate once again had no place for Jack Grealish in his starting XI. The Aston Villa playmaker, courted by Manchester City, is vehemently demanded by many fans. Southgate chose the offensive forces Harry Kane , Bukayo Saka , Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount in the attack.
When Grealish came on for Saka in minute 69 when the score was 1: 1, cheers broke out in Wembley, which had 60,000 spectators. The creative spirit should inspire the superior England, crack the defense of the Danes.
In minute 104 the time had come. Sterling fell in the penalty area. Referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the point – a controversial decision. Kane scored the eventual winning goal.
In the midst of the English frenzy of joy, Grealish experienced what is easy to digest for no professional: Southgate took him off the seat again. The surprised expression on the 25-year-old's face indicated that it was not an injury-related change. The coach brought in Kieran Trippier – an additional defensive force. The star attackers Kane and Sterling were allowed to play through.
In England, the substitution and substitution for Grealish is causing a stir. Former team player Gary Neville described Southgate as “unscrupulous”. Now Southgate himself speaks: “To be substituted like this is of course far from nice. I sympathize with Grealish, but at that moment this decision was the best for the team.”
The team boss explains his decision: “We had to bring another player on the defensive so as not to lose our sovereignty.” Why Grealish instead of the other attackers? “I really wanted to leave Raheem on the pitch. With his speed, he's always a weapon forward.” Striker Kane also shone with his efforts, including when working against the ball. Grealish was chosen, who was clearly trying to hide his disappointment behind a smile.
