England boss Gareth Southgate could be 'saving' Jack Grealish for later in Euro 2020 - Rio Ferdinand

ByGraham Ruthven

Published 13/06/2021 at 13:31 GMT

Jack Grealish was left out of England's starting line-up for their opening Euro 2020 fixture against Croatia as Gareth Southgate preferred Raheem Sterling on the left wing and a solid midfield unit of Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice in the centre. Rio Ferdinand attempted to provide an explanation with Southgate himself also provide an insight into his decision.

Rio Ferdinand believes Gareth Southgate might be “saving” Jack Grealish for later in Euro 2020 after the Aston Villa man was left out of the England team against Croatia.

Many had expected Grealish to start England’s opening fixture of the tournament having impressed in the warm-up friendlies, but the 25-year-old was placed on the bench with Raheem Sterling preferred on the left wing.

“This is a long tournament and he might be saving him for another game,” Ferdinand said on BBC Sport, offering some sort of explanation for Southgate’s decision.

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“Tactically he might suit another game, which he [Southgate] would've said to him, I'm sure.

“But look at the last three or four England games. Creatively, who have we looked at to get us out of a whole when it's been a tight situation? Grealish has been the man who has unlocked things for us.

“Yes, there are players like Mount who can do that, but Grealish has been the go to guy."

Gareth Southgate leads the way into Wembley Stadium

Image credit: Getty Images

Southgate himself was questioned about his lineup before kick off, citing “continuity” as the reason for his decision to omit Grealish.

“That was our front six in our friendlies in March and that gives us continuity,” the England boss said. “I think they have an understanding and we have fabulous depth to bring into the game.

“We know Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish were really pushing for starting positions and we are going to need all those players because it's going to be a game in which - with this heat - substitutes are probably more important than ever.”

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