England have axed their best singer in Jack Grealish, according to ex-Three Lion rapper John Barnes ahead of the new Euro 2024 song release.
Former ace Barnes, 60, believes the Man City star was the top entertainer in the camp.
He said Grealish would have been the most likely to take on a World In Motion type tune.
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Ahead of this tournament which kicks-off on Friday (14 Jun), Barnes has teamed up with plant-based food company THIS to make a new summer banger to spur on England.
It comes 34 years after the chart-topping World In Motion tune for the 1990 World Cup.
The tune is titled ‘THIS Is The One’.
But he said Arsenal’s Declan Rice could probably rap too.
Former Liverpool star Barnes – capped 79 times for England, with 10 goals – told What’s The Jam: “I would always have Jack Grealish up there for the best entertainer.
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“When you want an entertainer it’s quite interesting and good if he’s bad as well.
“Singing, dancing, rapping, doing crazy things he’s the new Paul Gasgoine.
“Not as crazy as Gazza but I think he’d be the most entertaining.
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“When I did that England rap there was me, Gazza, Peter Beadsley, Des Walker, Steve McMahon and Chris Waddle who all had a go at the rap and I did it because the rest couldn’t.
“For the current squad in terms of rapping, I’d go with Declan Rice, judging by the way he speaks I suppose he could rap well.
“You know you always want a cockney to do it”
He added: “There aren’t many players that remind me of me, I suppose being a left footed player and someone who will stay wide more than a Phil Foden type probably Saka is the one who reminds me more of me.
“I roomed with Peter Beadsley for both Liverpool and England and was very close with both Gazza and Chris Waddle at the 1990 World Cup.
“During my playing days fashion wasn’t a big thing back then but Glenn Hoddle was probably the best dressed, he was always very stylish.
“It was always more about trying to get out and have a drink, who could get to the bar quickest was the main aim.
With lyrics referencing the excitement of a pre-tournament party, the enjoyment of firing up a BBQ whilst chowing down on burgers and playing tunes with friends and family.
The music video features John Barnes accompanied by a Gareth Southgate lookalike, a plate of kebabs and a catchy chorus.
The song even pays homage to England icons such as Lineker, Shearer and Gazza, whilst also referencing the current squad players Foden, Palmer, Rice and Bellingham.
The new Euro 2024 tune is part of a campaign to inspire people to make more sustainable choices while still enjoying the tradition of summer grilling.
THIS offers a wide range of plant-based products, including their award winning bangers THIS Isn’t Pork Sausages, made to fool even the most ardent of carnivores.
Plus This Isn’t Beef Plant-Based Burgers and THIS Isn’t Lamb Kebabs, all designed to deliver on taste, texture, and sustainability.
Barnes added: “Every time summer comes around people talk about barbecues, football and music.
“Every time you mention barbecues people get excited – it’s a British tradition, and football of course, because the Euros are now here – and everyone loves a football anthem.
“So when the opportunity to team up with THIS came along on a song that brings together barbecuing, football, music and helping the environment it was a win-win situation.”
Mark Cuddigan, CEO of THIS commented: “If there’s anyone qualified to make a summer banger, it’s us and who better to team up with than the legendary John Barnes.
“As well as making award winning bangers at THIS, we believe in the joy of coming together over a meal that’s good for both our taste buds and the planet.
“So, fire up the grill, turn up the volume because THIS Is The One.”
