UKRAINE manager Andriy Shevchenko has become the latest member of the Jack Grealish fan club.
Yet the former Chelsea striker defended England boss Gareth Southgate for subbing the Aston Villa captain against Denmark.
Wembley was abuzz with excitement when Grealish came on in the 68th minute of Wednesday’s 2-1 semi-final victory over the Danes.
But he lasted just 36 minutes on the pitch, before being sacrificed for a more defensive option in Kieran Trippier after England went ahead.
SunSport revealed that Grealish became just the third Three Lions substitute to be hauled off during a tournament match ever.
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ITV pundit Gary Neville called it ’embarrassing’ to happen to a player but Shevchenko threw his support behind Southgate’s decision.
He told the Telegraph: “The team reflects the manager and what I like is the relationship between him and the players because the players trust him.
“When he changes something, the players don’t have any argument with him. Change the system, bam. He can sacrifice the players, like Jack Grealish in the semi-final.
“I thought he came very nicely into the game. He gives some fantasy to the game. I actually really like him.
I actually really like him. But when the coach substituted him, he was doing what was good for the team
Andriy Shevchenko on Jack Grealish
“But when the coach substituted him, he was doing what was good for the team and then the team won and the result is more important.”
Shevchenko embraced Grealish after England’s win over Ukraine in Rome last week despite the playmaker remaining an unused sub.
And the AC Milan icon has revealed how much of a fan of the 25-year-old he is as he tipped him to make an impact in Sunday’s final against Italy.
He added: “I’ve been watching his performances for Aston Villa.
“He’s a very talented, nice player. I like how he plays. Fans appreciate his style and I do as well.
“I complimented him on his season and then complimented him for his style because he plays with the freedom, he’s always a creative player.
“It’s nice to have a player like him in the team because you always can play that card when you need it.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
