Jack Grealish is no shrinking violet in the Manchester City dressing room and gives as good as he gets ahead of Euro 2024.
In a dressing room full of superstars priming themselves for the European Championship this summer, Grealish is dishing out the banter with England one of the favourites to win the competition.
Gareth Southgate might have one of the most exciting squads going into Euro 2024 but it will be no easy task claiming glory in Germany, with Bernardo Silva‘s Portugal, Kevin de Bruyne‘s Belgium and Rodri‘s Spain all likely to go far in the tournament.
And the cheeky jibes are already flying around the City changing rooms, with Grealish admitting he is one of the main instigators.
Speaking to Alan Brazil and Gabriel Agbonlahor on talkSPORT Breakfast, the 28-year-old revealed: “You know what it’s like in the dressing room, you turn around to a few people and go, ‘don’t worry mate, you’ll be going home in a few weeks anyway’.”
After Brazil asked him who is the lippy one in the changing rooms, Grealish confessed: “Probably me and Kyle [Walker]!
“Actually, do you know what, Manuel Akanji. He likes to give it out a little bit! There’s quite a few of us but not Erling [Haaland], this summer!”
Akanji’s Switzerland find themselves up against Scotland in the Euro 2024 group stage, as well as hosts Germany and Hungary while Steve Clarke’s side denied Haaland‘s Norway a chance to reach this year’s competition.
But Grealish remains confident in the Three Lions, who he has hailed as one of the best sides after Southgate named a young 33-man squad this week, omitting some big names.
Grealish added: “It is unbelievable, honestly. When you go and train there and the talent that is there is just frightening.
“I think now there is so much young talent coming through as well.
“The last few tournaments we have been close and in everyone’s mind we want to succeed in this tournament.
“Listen, I think it is doable. We have a really good manager and a really good assistant in Gareth and Steve Holland and obviously, the talent in the team speaks for itself.”
England kickstart their Euro 2024 campaign on June 16 when they take on Serbia before facing Denmark and Slovenia in the group stage.
Southgate has already made some huge calls, including uncapped duo Adam Wharton and Jarell Quansah in his squad while leaving out England regulars Jordan Henderson and Marcus Rashford.
Manchester United star Luke Shaw was also included despite being injured since February while Chelsea captain Reece James has been left at home.
“This has been as complicated a group as I can remember picking,” Southgate said.
“There are a significant number injured – that will be apparent looking at the players who have missed the last few games of the season and some who are coming back for the last few games of the season.”