Jack Grealish described one of his former Manchester City teammates as "one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of playing with" after watching him shine at Euro 2024.
The 28-year-old winger has been watching this summer's European Championship from Sardinia, Italy, as he enjoys a post-season holiday with girlfriend Sasha Attwood.
Grealish was one of seven players cut when England's preliminary 33-man squad was trimmed down to the final 26.
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Many were shocked by his omission, including Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker, who was asked whether he was surprised by Gareth Southgate's decision to leave Grealish out.
"Shocked because I know what Jack can do," he told ITV. "Was I shocked because of the players that he's [Southgate] brought in? No. Because I think they're all at a great quality and they've all had fantastic seasons.
"I think Jack would be the first one to say he could have had a better season."
According to the Independent, members of Germany's squad were left 'stunned' when they found out Grealish had been left out of England's plans.
They apparently view Grealish as a player who 'provokes fear in opposition when he runs at them'.
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Somebody who has praised the former Aston Villa man in the past is Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan, who scored for Die Mannschaft in their 2-0 win over Hungary on Wednesday.
Last year, he wrote in The Player’s Tribune: “I just want to say that Jack Grealish is so misunderstood by some of the media. He is one of the nicest guys I’ve met in football. He’s so much fun to be around and so humble and pure."
And during Gundogan's latest outing, Grealish voiced his appreciation for his former teammate, who joined Barcelona from City last summer on a free transfer.
"Can't explain how good this guy is man," he wrote. "Honestly one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of playing with."
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Speaking on his decision to leave Grealish out of his final 26-man squad, Gareth Southgate said: "We're blessed with options in attacking areas, all offering something slightly different. Madders and Jack give us something different as well, so they're tough calls.
"We've gone over it and over it as staff to try and be fair. We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. Both boys are big characters and great to work with."
Topics: Jack Grealish, England, Germany, Euro 2024, Ilkay Gundogan
Jack Kenmare