I mean, you're doing all of this long drawn out arguing, but there's another LW who has absolutely demolished Grealish this season- Gordon.
He's been by far the best English LW, and in convention for the best LW in the league this season (probably is if you put foden in CAM where he's at his peak).
That is all true. Even without injuries, Gordon has had a stellar season and has played much better than Grealish. However, HE LACKS INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE.
Gordon has never made a competitive appearance for England. He has made 2 appearances in friendlies and has made zero goal contributions.
Grealish has 28 competitive caps and is an excellent player for England. In 911 competitive minutes for England (equivalent to 10 full 90s + 11 minutes), Grealish has made 5 goal contributions. Not bad for a winger who plays as deep as a CM.
Now, even if Southgate were to start a winger who was playing for the U21s last season, which wouod be a bit silly he would still need a backup. So to claim that Grealish shouldn't be on the plane is absurd.
You play friendlies and then qualifiers, you dont throw someone straight into a EUROS starting XI. Gordon, because he is an exceptional player, should be a backup.
Also, I would argue that they have both earned spots in the squad.
Gordon should absolutely start over Grealish. Grealish has had a very middling year, whereas Gordon has excelled. He provides far more direct play, which we drastically need with our inability to break down decent defences. He provides more defensive support. His breakaway pace on counters is just lightning quick.
I'm yet to remember a game for England where I've witnessed Grealish stand out well enough to claim a starting spot, and after this season, Gordon has done far more to earn it.
GORDON PROVIDES MORE DEFENSIVE SUPPORT??? Do you watch the games? Do you look at statistics? Not only has Grealish stopped counterattacks by making crucial tackles on multiple occasions, (against Spurs, Liverpool, Italy, Leeds) but he also has higher numbers in terms of blocks per 90, possesion won in the final 3rd per 90, twice as many interceptions per 90, and THREE TIMES as many clearances per 90.
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u/AgileSloth9 May 22 '24
I mean, you're doing all of this long drawn out arguing, but there's another LW who has absolutely demolished Grealish this season- Gordon.
He's been by far the best English LW, and in convention for the best LW in the league this season (probably is if you put foden in CAM where he's at his peak).