The football world is abuzz as Jack Grealish, Everton’s dynamic winger, continues to turn heads with his scintillating performances in the 2025/26 Premier League season. Former Aston Villa and Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood has thrown his weight behind the 30-year-old star, declaring him a cornerstone of England’s ideal national team. Sherwood’s glowing endorsement, delivered in a passionate studio analysis, singles out Grealish’s pivotal role in Everton’s attack while dismissing criticism of teammate Jordan Pickford, often cast as the Toffees’ villain. With Grealish’s resurgence under David Moyes at Everton, Sherwood’s call for England to build around the former Manchester City man has sparked fervent debate.
Grealish’s impact at Everton has been nothing short of electric. After joining the Toffees in the summer of 2025, he has revitalized their attack, notching four assists in his first three Premier League matches, including a standout performance in a 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on August 30, 2025. In that match, Grealish’s pinpoint delivery set up Beto’s opening goal, earning praise from Sherwood for his synergy with teammates Iliman Ndiaye and Beto. “I can’t leave Beto out of it, because Beto occupies the centre-halves, he pins the two back so Ndiaye and Grealish can come in from both sides,” Sherwood said on a Sky Sports broadcast, highlighting the tactical brilliance behind Everton’s attacking trio. “They played some very entertaining football,” he added, marveling at the fluidity that has made Goodison Park a fortress early in the season.
Sherwood’s advocacy for Grealish extends beyond club form, as he boldly claimed, “England need to build a squad around this man.” His comments, made during a post-match analysis on September 5, 2025, reflect Grealish’s resurgence as a creative force. Once a regular under Gareth Southgate, Grealish faced setbacks with England, including a controversial snub from the Euro 2024 squad. However, his move to Everton, where Moyes has granted him the freedom to drift centrally and dictate play, has reignited his international prospects. “Jack Grealish is, by nature, a central player, he belongs in the interior zones, not as a touchline-hugging winger,” one fan noted on social media, echoing the sentiment that Moyes’ system has unlocked Grealish’s true potential. The Everton manager himself has been effusive, stating, “The biggest compliment I can say about Jack is that he’s even better than I thought he was.” Moyes credited Grealish’s mentality, adding, “It is nothing to do with me, it all to do with Jack and his mentality to do better.”
While Grealish basks in the spotlight, Sherwood also defended Everton’s polarizing goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford, against detractors who have long criticized his occasional errors. “The agenda against Pickford is unbelievable,” Sherwood remarked, emphasizing the 31-year-old’s consistency as England’s No. 1 and his reliability for Everton over the past five years. Despite early career mistakes, Pickford’s growth into a dependable shot-stopper has been evident, and Sherwood’s defense underscores the goalkeeper’s importance to both club and country. This stance counters the narrative of Pickford as a “villain,” a label fueled by critics who overlook his clutch performances, such as his heroics in England’s penalty shootouts during past tournaments.
Everton’s transformation under Moyes and The Friedkin Group’s investment has been a catalyst for Grealish’s revival. The Toffees’ new-look attack, bolstered by signings like Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, has delivered two wins from their first three matches, defying expectations in a competitive Premier League. Grealish’s ability to exploit spaces created by Beto’s physical presence has been key, with Sherwood noting, “Grealish obviously supplied Beto for the opener and his first of the Premier League season, but the way the 27-year-old uses his strength goes under the radar.” This dynamic has made Everton a counter-attacking force, perfectly suited to Grealish’s flair and vision.
As England prepares for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches, Sherwood’s vision of an ideal squad centered on Grealish has resonated with fans and pundits alike. His “absolutely incredible” form, as Sherwood described it, positions him as a potential linchpin for Lee Carsley’s Three Lions. Grealish’s confidence is palpable, with one social media post declaring, “Loving life as a Toffee,” accompanied by a blue heart emoji. His third assist of the season against Wolves, celebrated by Everton’s official account, underscored his knack for delivering in big moments.
The narrative around Grealish is one of redemption and reinvention. After struggling for consistent minutes at Manchester City, where he was often confined to the touchline, his move to Everton has allowed him to reclaim his status as a game-changer. “He’s already won the I’m better than you battle before the match has even started because people know he’s Jack Grealish,” one fan enthused online, capturing the aura he brings to the pitch. As England looks to blend youth and experience, Grealish’s blend of creativity and swagger makes him a compelling candidate to lead the charge. Whether he can translate his club form to the international stage remains the question, but with Sherwood’s backing and Everton’s momentum, Grealish is proving he’s ready to shine.
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