Gareth Southgate warns Jack Grealish he is not guaranteed a place in England’s final Euro 2024 squad as Manchester City winger needs to prove his worth

Gareth Southgate was unable to guarantee Jack Grealish a place in his Euro 2024 squad ahead of a crucial week for the Manchester City star.

The striker, as revealed by Mail Sport on Friday, reported ahead of schedule for international duty in the hope of impressing Southgate – who names his final 26-man squad for Germany on Saturday.

Grealish has endured a sub-par campaign as City boss Pep Guardiola has used him sparingly amid an injury-hit season.

And ahead of Monday night’s first warm-up game against Bosnia, Southgate – when asked if Grealish was among the players at risk of missing the cut, replied: “I don’t think we’ve defined that yet.

“He has been very bright and loves being here. He had good energy about his training.

“Obviously this season he hasn’t played as much as last season. I’m sure he would have liked it to be different, but we know the qualities he can bring and the qualities he has and he’s a player we enjoy working with and a character we have in the group.

“I think we know where we’re probably at. Time is our friend this week. It’s worth using the time. Tomorrow’s game could raise another physical issue and then we have something else in the mix.

“We think we know who the best have been throughout the season, what we don’t fully know is how many we need to take or how many we can afford to take because of the coverage we might need at other positions as well. ‘

Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier will captain England at St James’ Park with Harry Kane rested for the match.

Trippier will be accompanied on the field by his son Jacob, who will be an England mascot.

“People in England asked me if I wanted my son to be a mascot and I was absolutely delighted,” Trippier said.

“He (Jacob) has already gone out at St James’ many times, but to go out with me to lead the team is something I will never forget.” A very proud moment for me.

Meanwhile, England’s players enjoyed a team bonding session at their current base in the North East on Friday, with pop star James Bay performing an intimate concert.

The players were also treated to a Nando’s delivery as Southgate gave his side permission to let their hair down.

At the last Euros, Ed Sheeran sang for the players at St George’s Park, while at Qatar 2022, Robbie Williams sang for their home team.