MANAGER Gareth Southgate took substitute Jack Grealish off during England’s Euro 2020 semi-final triumph against Denmark – just THIRTY-SIX minutes after bringing him on.
The Aston Villa captain was hauled off with the Three Lions leading 2-1 in extra-time, much to the bemusement of England fans.
Grealish was brought on by Southgate in the 68th minute, with thousands of England fans cheering his introduction at Wembley.
The playmaker gave the team a huge boost and when Harry Kane scored in the first half of extra-time, the manager decided to bring Grealish off.
Southgate brought on Kieran Trippier and it proved a wise move as England held on to reach their first major final in 55 years.
The Three Lions will also play in the European Championship final for the first time when they take on Italy on Sunday, July 11.
Southgate’s decision was slammed on social media before the team’s triumph was confirmed.
Ex-England striker Michael Owen tweeted: “Regardless of the result, bringing Jack Grealish off isn’t my idea of a good decision.
“He is the perfect player in this situation to keep the ball, win free-kicks, run the clock down etc.”
EURO 2020 FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
While a fan wrote: “Southgate is so disrespectful to Grealish, the way he’s using him.
“Not just today but all tournament, 36 minutes of football is a joke.”
But others respected the manager’s decision, with one supporter tweeting: “You have to admire Southgate for making the call.”
Regardless of what others think, Grealish is unlikely to care after England’s historic success at Wembley.
⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
