#11 - Jack Grealish claims number 7 shirt ahead of Euro 2020

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Image rights: flickr.com

Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish was earlier named in England's 26-man squad for the upcoming Euro's. 

Grealish's phenomenal season sees him earn a place in England's Euro 2020 squad alongside club teammate Tyrone Mings. 

Although there were many fans who wanted Ben Godfrey chosen ahead of Mings, there was no doubt in anyone's mind about the inclusion of Grealish after he picked up 6 goals and 10 assists in just 24 Premier league games this season. 

The Total Villan presenter and The Vital Villa writer Liam Bryan believes Grealish will play a crucial part if England are to have any success at this tournament: "Jack needs to start. His style of play is so unpredictable that no defence can fully prepare to face him."

Although many believe Grealish should be starting for England at the Euro's, it is still debated where he can have the greatest impact. 

Bryan said: "Jack is the most effective on the wing as in the centre of midfield he often tracks too far back and focuses too much on his defensive work."

"I can't wait to see Jack represent the Three Lions this summer!" 

Grealish was clearly delighted to not only have been named in the final 26-man squad, but also to be given the iconic number 7 shirt: "It's one of my favourite numbers and I told my mum and I was shocked myself to be honest."

Despite Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins being included in Gareth Southgate's original 33-man spreliminary squad, he missed out on the final 26 even with the injury withdrawal to young Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood. 

Bryan said: "I think Watkins should have been called up. With his pace, power and work ethic, he's a constant threat and would've been extremely effective to Southgate's style of play." 

Grealish and the rest of the England squad will be hoping they can go one better than they did in Russia three years ago and reach the final of major tournament for the first time since the unforgettable summer of 1966. 





 

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