‘I’m a big fan’ – Steve Bruce picks ‘great lad’ he managed that must ‘be on the plane’ to Euro 2024
STEVE BRUCE insists Jack Grealish must be on the plane for England’s adventure at Euro 2024, insisting the Manchester City star is a “great lad.”
Grealish, 28, was one of Pep Guardiola’s top players last season as City scooped a historic Treble.
But the winger has played a lesser role this term after being hit by injury issues.
Grealish has clocked up just 17 Premier League appearances while contributing only three goals.
And doubts have been cast on his spot in Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for this summer’s Euros in Germany.
City teammate Phil Foden, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka look nailed on to start in an attacking three behind Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and West Ham’s Jarred Bowen have all enjoyed excellent seasons.
Versatile Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins is also hoping to get on the plane with Tottenham’s James Maddison, as is underperforming Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.
And with just 23 places up for grabs, which includes three goalies, defence-heavy Southgate will be forced to make some tough phone calls.
However, former Premier League manager Bruce reckons 35-caps Grealish is more than deserving of a spot.
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The pair worked together at Villa for two years from October 2016.
And those seasons saw Grealish mature from precocious playmaker to one of Villa’s main leaders.
Bruce reckons those qualities makes his former player a shoe-in, as being part of a tournament squad is more than just about talent.
Even still, Bruce adds that Grealish still has skills other England players can only dream about, and he must get the nod from Southgate at the end of the season.
Bruce told talkSPORT: “For me, yes. I’m going to (take him) because I’m a big admirer of Jack having worked with him.
“Especially in a competition when you’re away for six weeks, you need someone like Jack to have him around the place.
“It’s not just his football ability but his personality, the way he is and the way he is around the group.
“He’s great fun and a really great lad and of course, the kid can play and offer something different which obviously others can’t, in my opinion.
“For me, he’s got to be on the plane.”
Steve Bruce's managerial career
Those numbers in full:
- Sheffield United, 1998-1999: P55 W22 D15 L18
- Huddersfield Town, 1999-2000: P66 W25 D16 L25
- Wigan, 2001: P8 W3 D2 L3
- Crystal Palace, 2001: P18 W11 D2 L5
- Birmingham, 2001-2007: P269 W100 D69 L100
- Wigan, 2007-2009: P68 W23 D17 L28
- Sunderland, 2009-2011: P98 W29 D28 L41
- Hull, 2012-2016: P201 W82 D44 L75
- Aston Villa, 2016-2018: P102 W46 D25 L31
- Sheffield Wednesday, 2019: P18 W7 D8 L3
- Newcastle, 2019-2021: P97 W28 D28 L41
- West Brom, 2022: P32 W8 D12 L12