Michael Owen took to Twitter during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final win over Denmark to question Gareth Southgate for substituting Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish in extra-time.
The Three Lions won the tie thanks to a penalty won by Raheem Sterling and converted on the rebound by Harry Kane. Denmark had taken the lead in the first-half of regular time through a fantastic Mikkel Damsgaard free-kick.
But England responded well before Simon Kjaer turned the ball into his net from a Bukayo Saka cross. Grealish was still watching the action from the bench at this stage, as Southgate left the 25-year-old out of the England starting XI for the fifth time in six games.
Southgate eventually introduced Grealish to the action in the 69th-minute to replace Saka and inject fresh impetus to England’s attack. Yet the Aston Villa product was only on the field for 37-minutes, before Southgate took him off after Kane converted.
Southgate baffled Owen with his decision, as he believes Grealish was perfect for the situation England were in. And the Three Lions icon vented his bewilderment on Twitter:
“Regardless of the result, bringing Jack Grealish off isn’t my idea of a good decision. He is the perfect player in this situation to keep the ball, win free-kicks, run the clock down etc.”
Grealish fine with Southgate call in England win
While Southgate puzzled Owen by replacing Grealish, the Aston Villa talisman and England star was fine with the decision. Southgate admitted after beating Denmark that the midfielder accepted the call, even if it was a tough decision.
“We made that decision, not an easy one, but Jack has totally understood it,” Southgate told his post-match press conference. “In the end, he said to me: ‘Gaffa, it doesn’t matter, I am not really bothered. We have got to the final’.”
Yet there was substance behind Owen’s surprise at Southgate taking Grealish off minutes after England took the lead. The Aston Villa maestro was fouled within minutes of coming on and came close to assisting Kane in the final minute of stoppage time after the regular 90.
Grealish raised England’s tempo and forced Kasper Schmeichel into a key save, as well. Surely, he was frustrated at being replaced as a substitute himself. But it speaks volumes of Grealish’s character that he accepted Southgate’s decision and celebrated England’s win.
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