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England: 5 players Gareth Southgate absolutely must take to Euro 2021

By Richard Tynan

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: A general view of Wembley stadium advertising the Euro's football tournament on March 20, 2020 in London, England. Coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread to at least 182 countries, claiming over 10,000 lives and infecting almost 250,000. There have now been 3,269 diagnosed cases in the UK and 144 deaths. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: A general view of Wembley stadium advertising the Euro's football tournament on March 20, 2020 in London, England. Coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread to at least 182 countries, claiming over 10,000 lives and infecting almost 250,000. There have now been 3,269 diagnosed cases in the UK and 144 deaths. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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Jack Grealish, Aston Villa
Jack Grealish, Aston Villa (Photo by Visionhaus) /

Jack Grealish

Some of you may be thinking, “Jack Grealish…really? Why?” A far better question would be, “why not?”

Others may look to the likes of Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes. Grealish, however, is an example of someone who displays versatility – both on and off the pitch.

After being publicly reprimanded for his actions away from the pitch, twice in 2015, Grealish began to cast a shadow over himself.

Was this yet another young player with so much potential – too much, in fact – that he couldn’t handle the pressure?

Apparently not.

He redeemed himself and earned the role of club captain of Villa in 2016 at the age of 20.

Ever since, he has only grown in his maturity and helped his side regain promotion to the Premier League in 2018.

So impressive is his rise back to stardom that Grealish has since been linked with a move to just about every other Premier League team this coming summer.

It’s easy to see why. His record is mightily impressive. 26 appearances, 7 goals and 6 assists.

Not only has he been leading from the front, but with having amassed no fewer than 26 tackles, 58 successful 50/50s and a 65% tackle success rate, it’s clear he influences all areas of the pitch.

How do his competitors compare?

Well, Barnes’ offensive record is equally impressive – 27 apps, 6 goals and 6 assists.

Defensively, Barnes’ record is good but falls shy of Grealish’s efforts -13 tackles, 37 successful 50/50s with a 69% tackle success rate.

On the whole, Grealish bests Barnes offensively and defensively. In conjunction, he has shown a clear affinity for leadership as well as versatility, being able to play on the left-wing and in centre midfield.

Next. Postponing the Euros could be a blessing for England. dark

What would be your main England XI at this point in time?

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