Gareth Southgate explains why Jack Grealish was substituted on and off in win over Denmark as England reach first ever European Championship final

Gareth Southgate has explained why Jack Grealish was substituted on and off during England’s semi-final victory over Denmark at Euro 2020.

The Three Lions reached a first ever European Championship final thanks to Harry Kane’s extra-time winner to make it 2-1 at Wembley.

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Grealish returned to the bench in extra-time

After a Simon Kjaer own goal cancelled out Mikkel Damsgaard’s stunning opener, the game was level in the 69th minute.

That is when Southgate called on Grealish, who replaced Bukayo Saka.

The Aston Villa captain drew fouls like he always does and looked a major threat on the left wing.

However, after Kane gave England the lead when he converted the rebound from a saved penalty in the 104th minute, Grealish was taken off for Kieran Trippier a minute later.

At the time, talkSPORT pundit and former England left-back Stuart Pearce saw sense in the decision.

He said: “I see the sensibility there. Jack’s probably the least defensive minded of players there. You can’t take Kalvin Phillips off.”

Commenting on his decision to withdraw Grealish, Southgate told talkSPORT: “Jack had a brilliant influence on the game.

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Grealish looked threatening on the left wing during his cameo against Denmark

“Denmark threw four forwards forward and we needed five [defenders] back.

“Raheem [Sterling] was such a threat that it was either going to be Phil [Foden] or Jack to get the solidity without the ball.

“We still needed to get that pressure up the pitch. We sank a little bit too deep for five minutes or so.

“We just needed to keep the ball and it took us five minutes to work that out. When we started to keep it, we were running the clock down with a lot less anxiety.”

Grealish did not appear to be too affected by getting the hook though, tweeting: “I love this team!! What a night at Wembley!”