The football world was rocked by surprise and celebration this week as England’s national team selections sparked debate and Italian referee Ornella Vignola etched her name into history. Jack Grealish, the 29-year-old Everton star on loan from Manchester City, was shockingly omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming September 2025 internationals, despite a scintillating start to the Premier League season. Meanwhile, Vignola became the first woman to referee a match in one of Europe’s top five men’s leagues, officiating Como’s 2-2 draw against Bologna in Serie A on September 6, 2025. These contrasting stories have ignited passionate discussions across the football community.
Grealish’s exclusion from the England squad left pundits and fans alike reeling. The winger, known for his flair and playmaking, has been a revelation since joining Everton on loan in August. In his first three Premier League matches, he provided four assists, including two in Everton’s historic 2-0 victory over Brighton at their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium. His performance against Wolves at Molineux was particularly commanding, as he orchestrated the attack in a 3-0 rout. Former Aston Villa midfielder Lee Hendrie, speaking on Sky Sports News on September 6, expressed disbelief at Tuchel’s decision. “I’m absolutely gobsmacked that Grealish isn’t involved!” Hendrie exclaimed. “He’s been outstanding, a maverick who can flip a game with his ability to run at defenders and create chances. This is a player who’s proving himself week in, week out.” Hendrie emphasized that Grealish’s absence is a missed opportunity, especially as England lacks players with his unique spark. “Tuchel will quickly realize Grealish brings something special that’s missing in this squad,” he added, predicting the winger will use the snub as fuel to secure a spot for the 2026 World Cup.
Grealish’s form has been a bright spot in a turbulent career arc. After his £100 million move from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021, he won three Premier League titles and a Champions League, but struggled to replicate his Villa magic under Pep Guardiola. His loan to Everton has reignited his joy for the game, with fans noting a renewed smile on the pitch. “It was like a UFC chokehold!” Grealish said of the Goodison Park atmosphere after a match, praising the fans’ passion. Despite his omission, he remains focused on proving Tuchel wrong, with his sights set on Dortmund’s European Championship in October. The decision to favor players like Jarrod Bowen and Noni Madueke has sparked debate, with many arguing Grealish’s experience and creativity are unmatched.
Across the continent, Ornella Vignola’s historic moment in Serie A marked a seismic shift for football. At 35, the Italian referee became the first woman to officiate a men’s match in a top European league, overseeing Como’s draw with Bologna. Her performance was widely praised, with Como coach Cesc Fàbregas lauding her composure: “She was brilliant, calm, and made the right calls under pressure. It’s a huge step for the game.” Vignola, who began refereeing at 15, navigated a high-stakes match with authority, issuing yellow cards and managing a tense second half that saw Bologna’s late equalizer. Her debut followed her Serie B assignments and a Serie C promotion final, showcasing her steady rise. “This is just the beginning,” Vignola said post-match. “I want to show that refereeing is about skill, not gender.” Her achievement has been hailed as a milestone for inclusivity, with Italian FA president Gabriele Gravina calling it “a proud day for football.”
Vignola’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. She faced skepticism early in her career but earned respect through consistent excellence. Her Serie A debut was a testament to her resilience, with Bologna’s Thiago Motta noting, “She handled the game with confidence. You could see her experience.” The match, attended by thousands at Como’s Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, was a landmark moment, with fans and players alike acknowledging its significance. Vignola’s next steps include potential assignments in the UEFA Europa League, signaling her growing influence.
The contrasting narratives of Grealish’s snub and Vignola’s triumph highlight football’s emotional highs and lows. While Grealish fights to reclaim his international spot, Vignola’s breakthrough paves the way for future generations. As England prepares for its September matches and Serie A continues, both stories underscore the sport’s capacity to surprise and inspire. Grealish’s determination and Vignola’s historic stride will keep fans talking, proving football’s drama extends far beyond the pitch.
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