The Arsenal legend was stunned by the decision to leave Grealish out of the England squad.
Former Arsenal midfielder Ray Parlour has questioned the decision to leave Jack Grealish out of the England squad for Euro 2024 and said Arsenal may need a new number nine next campaign.
In an exclusive interview with VAVEL, the former Arsenal star said Grealish can change games, and will be a big miss for the Three Lions.
He also gave his thoughts on what the Gunners need to do to gain the edge over title rivals Manchester City next season.
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Stunned by Grealish’s Euro 2024 omission
When asked about his reaction to England manager Gareth Southgate’s decision to leave Grealish out of the England squad, Parlour seemed surprised by the decision.
He posed the question: “How can you not take Jack Grealish as part of the 26?”
He also went on to say, “He has the ability to change a game with his guile and skill and also has the experience of playing in big matches for Manchester City in the past.”
Parlour praised Grealish’s ‘impact against Germany at the last Euros’ and that he would ‘definitely have him in his squad’.
So, it is fair to say Parlour has a different view to the Three Lions’ manager Gareth Southgate.
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What can Arsenal man Bukayo Saka provide?
As for the rest of the England squad the ex-Arsenal man thinks Bukayo Saka could have a massive impact for England throughout the tournament.
“Saka can make the right-hand side position his own and can put in performances like he has done for Arsenal. Saka can also enjoy and perform playing with top class players.”
Now, although he may have his Arsenal tinted glasses on, it is hard to deny that Saka will have a big impact at the Euros, coming off the back of the Premier League season with 16 goals and nine assists.
With Southgate having a whole host of top talents going forward the Arsenal star could link up well with his partnering forwards.
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Foden to be the star
We also asked Parlour who he believed would be a star for England this Summer, outside the likes of Kane and Saka.
His response was simple: “Look no further than Phil Foden.”
Parlour said that this is the Manchester City star’s time to show his quality.
“It his time to shine for England and he has to step up and be the star player for his country. Player of the Year in the Premier League, Foden has the tools to be the man.”
Foden finished the season with an impressive 19 goals and eight assists in the league, his highest tally in his career.
He is in the form of his life. However, he is yet to produce such numbers for England with just four goals at a senior level.
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France to take it all but Portgual or Spain to cause a shock
We also asked for some tournament predictions for Euro 2024 with both a winner and an underdog.
The former Arsenal man backed Les Bleus to be successful.
“I can see France meeting England in the semi-final and Kylian Mbappe could well be the difference, so France could be the tournament winner.”
However, as for the underdogs, Parlour said: “Portugal and Spain are dark horses who could challenge France and England. You can never underestimate Spain and the quality of the football they play.”
France have won the Euros a total of 3 times, joint with Germany for the most.
Spain have won it twice whereas Portugal have only had their hands on the trophy once.
England are yet to get their hands on the trophy.