'It was a mystery': Jack Grealish's agent SLAMS Gareth Southgate for taking off the £100m England star during draw with Hungary, claiming the Three Lions boss 'doesn't think he fits into his type of team'

  • Jack Grealish was taken off mid-way through England's 1-1 draw with Hungary
  • England fans at Wembley jeered Gareth Southgate's call in the 62nd minute 
  • Grealish's agent Jonathan Barnett says the £100m star was the best on the pitch
  • Barnett has hinted that Southgate does not rate the Manchester City star

Jack Grealish's agent has slammed Gareth Southgate for taking the midfielder off during England's World Cup qualifying draw with Hungary last week, claiming the Three Lions boss does not rate the £100million man. 

The Manchester City star was hauled off in the 62nd minute with the scores at Wembley still tied at 1-1, with the England supporters inside the ground jeering Southgate's in-game decision. 

The Three Lions were frustrated against their Hungarian opposition last week, with the scores remaining at one each at the full-time whistle, with Grealish's representative Jonathan Barnett questioning that substitution in particular. 

Jack Grealish's (left) agent has slammed Gareth Southgate (middle) for taking the England star off against Hungary last week

Jack Grealish's (left) agent has slammed Gareth Southgate (middle) for taking the England star off against Hungary last week

Jonathan Barnett (above) has hinted that Southgate does not know how to use Grealish

Jonathan Barnett (above) has hinted that Southgate does not know how to use Grealish

'He (Grealish) loves playing for England, he really does,' the ICM Stellar Group chief told The Mirror. 'He is very proud of it. It's very ­important that he does well for England, very important.


'It was a mystery (why he was substituted). It's strange but maybe Gareth Southgate doesn't think he fits into his type of team. He appears to have got into the England team by default.

'Gareth Southgate is the manager but in my opinion Jack is the best player in the country in that position.'

 Grealish played a major role in England's equaliser at Wembley last Tuesday night, which was a strike that involved him and two others stars from Premier League champions Manchester City. 

England's first £100m player starred against the Hungarians last Tuesday night at Wembley

England's first £100m player starred against the Hungarians last Tuesday night at Wembley

The 26-year-old won a free-kick deep in the Hungary half which was taken by club team-mate Phil Foden - and headed in by fellow City star John Stones, via Declan Rice's flick-on. 

Grealish has made a relatively slow start to his new life at Man City following his £100m move from Aston Villa earlier this summer that made him the most expensive British player of all-time. 

The midfielder has just one goal and one assist in both the Premier League and Champions League so far but he did net his first international goal in a 4-0 drubbing of European minnows Andorra last weekend. 

Grealish's agent says England could miss out on the midfielder's full potential by taking him off

Grealish's agent says England could miss out on the midfielder's full potential by taking him off

Barnett, who also represents the likes of Real Madrid star Gareth Bale and England No 1 goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, believes that England will lose out on a major talent if Southgate continues to drop him. 

'He's one of the few who will put bums on seats,' Barnett added. 'People go along to watch him. I think Pep Guardiola and all the people at Manchester City are good judges.

'For them to lay out that sort of money, I think they know what they are doing. I don't think you have seen the best of him yet. He could become one of the best players in the world.

Barnett (above) also represents the likes of Gareth Bale and England No 1 Jordan Pickford

Barnett (above) also represents the likes of Gareth Bale and England No 1 Jordan Pickford

'Unfortunately if he doesn't play enough for England it will be England's loss – but he will achieve great things with ­Manchester City.

'Going forward people will ­recognise him for what he is. I'm not going to lose any sleep over that. He will be a great asset for Manchester City and we hope for England.

'Most of the people watching and the so-called experts all said the same thing, he was the best player on the field against ­Hungary.'