Gary Neville has told Sky Sports on Sunday morning that it’s ‘no surprise’ that Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish is starting on the bench for England’s Euro 2020 opener against Croatia today.
The Athletic are reporting that Villa’s playmaker will start on the bench, alongside Manchester Untied’s speed machine, Marcus Rashford, with Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden starting out wide instead.
It does seem as though Gareth Southgate has opted to play a back four, with a three-man midfield, including two holders in Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice, including Kieran Trippier at left-back.
Nonetheless, Neville shared his thoughts on the early team news rumours emerging about England.
“I think you are always going to be in a situation where Mount is going to play unless something happens with his form or injury,” said Neville.
“And then you are talking about Foden or Grealish. And then one of the quicker ones, which is Rashford, Sancho or Sterling. So, for me, it isn’t a surprise that balance.
“With Harry Kane up top. He’s a no-brainer, but you do need one of the wider players to run past him. When everyone is coming naturally to the ball then it becomes difficult for Harry. So, for me, the balance feels about right.
On Rashford and Grealish being unlucky: “Not as much as they would have done 15-20 years ago. They’ll be disappointed. It’s the first game of the tournament. I think players are more conditioned into thinking it’s a squad game.”
It’s a big call to leave Grealish out from Southgate, especially given that he has decided to name a back four.
If England do play with two holders, and Trippier at left-back, and come out of this game with a defeat then Southgate will have a serious amount of pressure added to his shoulders.
The last time the Three Lions graced the Wembley turf in a major tournament was in 1996.
Southgate understands the pressures of it all, but just like this summer heat, it might go up a notch or two today if things don’t go well.
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