Jack Grealish insists 'very harsh' Gareth Southgate criticism is because he's English

Jack Grealish has lamented the 'very harsh' criticism of England national team manager Gareth Southgate, stating that he is under more scrutiny because he's English.

Southgate has enjoyed a lot of success as the Three Lions coach, making the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and the final of Euro 2020. However, the nation's recent form has left a lot to be desired, with England being on the verge of Nations League relegation ahead of their clashes with Italy and Germany during the international break.

Speaking to the press ahead of the meeting with Italy at San Siro, Grealish was quick to back his coach, stating: "I think [criticism] was harsh. We reached the Euros final last year, and the last time we lost a game in 90 minutes before the last camp was Belgium, November 2020.

"So I think it is very harsh. Especially as you saw at the World Cup and the Euros how well the team did and the manager. But sometimes that’s what you get when you’re English, and I’ve had my fair share.”

The Man City man's comments on Southgate somewhat mirror what Kevin De Bruyne has recently said about Grealish, believing his teammate to be the victim of English bias: "It is not about football. Outside of football, the focus is more on them [England players]. I understand because they are English and people tend to look more [at] what is happening.

“I feel like foreign players, for instance if you have a night out, we don’t really get checked that often. Whereas I feel if an English player goes out, it is always in the media somewhere. I think people are taking this on board also. What he does in his private life he does, nobody should care, but people do."

Due to his form at club level, rumours have began to swirl regarding Grealish's Man City future. 90min understands, however, that Grealish is fully committed to the club and is not looking to push for a transfer away.