Whole England squad backs Southgate decision to stay, says Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish has claimed the entire England squad backed Gareth Southgate’s decision to continue as manager after the World Cup and believes it will reap rewards at the European Championship next summer.

England launch their qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 on Thursday with an awkward assignment against Italy, who beat Southgate’s team on penalties in the Euro 2020 final and whose last home defeat in the fixture came in a friendly in 1961.

It is England’s first outing since losing against France in the World Cup quarter-finals, when Southgate considered his future as manager before opting to see out a contract that runs until December 2024. Grealish was delighted with Southgate’s decision, and insists the feeling was shared throughout the England dressing room.

The Manchester City midfielder said: “I was buzzing. Gareth called me up to my first squad, he gave me my debut and he has given me chances to play for my country. It’s the best thing that can happen to you as a player. Go and ask anyone in that changing room what they think of Gareth and they would all say the same: he is a brilliant manager and a brilliant person as well. I can’t speak highly enough of him for what he has done for me.”

Grealish believes continuity and a wealth of tournament experience under Southgate, allied to the development of England’s players, can form a potent combination in Germany next summer.

“We have come close so many times,” the 27-year-old said. “The last three tournaments have been a semi-final, a final and then the quarters. I think it is obvious what we want to do and I think we are getting better and better. Players are coming through and playing with so much confidence.

“I feel like the next one really could be our one.