SOUTH’ OF ORDER
JACK GREALISH has jumped to the defence of Gareth Southgate and insisted he is not a boring England boss.
Despite his success since taking charge in 2016, Southgate has been labelled with the tag of being ‘too cautious’.
He was criticised for not going for the kill when England had Italy on the ropes in the 2020 Euro final — and has been reluctant to bow to public pressure and start the likes of Grealish in more games.
Southgate will find his selection and tactics in the spotlight again tomorrow night when the Three Lions resume battle with the Italians in the Nations League in Milan.
England will then host Germany at Wembley on Monday in what will be their final game before heading to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup this winter.
Grealish is central to the debate about Southgate’s approach, but insists England have a manager who still knows what he’s doing.
The Manchester City playmaker said: “No, I don’t think he’s too negative, especially if you’re on about when he plays five at the back.
“People always go on about how good our wing-backs are, so I don’t see why you wouldn’t try that.
“I think we have great talent all over the pitch, whether that be at full-back, centre midfield or us wide players. I don’t think he is too negative or cautious at all.”
Willing
Grealish has told Southgate he is willing and able to help him in whatever role he wants him to play in the future.
He said: “Listen, like I said earlier, every time I put on my shirt for my country I give it my all. I’d love to play every minute of every game, but that will never happen with anyone.