Jack Grealish, the former Aston Villa star now at Manchester City, made a triumphant return to the England national team in a recent UEFA Nations League clash. The 29-year-old winger opened the scoring in England’s 3-1 victory over Finland last weekend, marking a personal resurgence after a challenging summer. Grealish had been omitted from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, a decision that left him visibly frustrated and disappointed. However, under the stewardship of interim head coach Lee Carsley, Grealish seems to be regaining his confidence and form on the international stage.
Grealish’s exclusion from the Euro 2024 squad was a notable talking point throughout the summer. His reaction to being left out was candid, as the Manchester City playmaker made it clear that the decision hurt him deeply. Despite his successful club season, where he played a pivotal role in helping City to another Premier League title, Southgate opted not to include him in the squad for the prestigious tournament. The disappointment was palpable, but Grealish has since used it as motivation to fuel his return to form.
Stuart Pearce, a former England international and Manchester City manager, was quick to praise Carsley for his handling of Grealish. Speaking as an ambassador for *Pitching In* around their Volunteer of the Season Award, Pearce highlighted how Carsley’s decision to reintegrate Grealish into the national team has paid off. According to Pearce, Grealish’s strong performance against Finland is evidence of a player who is not only physically sharp but also mentally rejuvenated.
“When you’ve been left out of a major tournament, it’s quite hurtful,” Pearce remarked, drawing on his own experience from being excluded from the 1998 World Cup squad. “I understand that frustration. But to see how Jack has responded, particularly with Lee [Carsley] bringing him back into the fold, is fantastic. He’s clearly playing with a renewed sense of purpose and joy.”
Indeed, Grealish’s performance in Helsinki was a testament to his determination to prove himself once again on the international stage. His energetic display saw him not only contribute to the scoreline but also provide a consistent threat throughout the match. His work rate, dribbling ability, and creative play have been hallmarks of his game, but one area where he has faced criticism in the past is his goal output. For much of his career, Grealish has been seen more as a creator than a scorer. However, his recent goal against Finland suggests that he may be evolving into a more complete attacking player, a point Pearce touched on.
“One of the criticisms of Jack has always been that he doesn’t score enough,” Pearce said. “But recently, we’ve seen him get on the scoresheet, and he looks like he’s really enjoying his football again. That’s a great sign for England.”
Carsley, who hails from Birmingham like Grealish, has been in the spotlight recently for reasons beyond his tactical decisions. His brief tenure as interim manager has been marked by some confusing public statements regarding his interest in the permanent role of England manager. Nevertheless, with former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed to take over in January, Pearce believes that Carsley’s role in helping players like Grealish rediscover their form is an achievement that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Tuchel, a Champions League-winning manager with Chelsea, was unveiled as Southgate’s successor earlier this week. While Pearce, like many, would have preferred to see an English coach take charge of the national team, he remains supportive of Tuchel’s appointment. Pearce, who managed the England U21s between 2007 and 2013, emphasized the importance of a national team manager being deeply invested in the development of younger players.
“I’ve always believed that the senior national team manager should be involved at all levels,” Pearce explained. “When I was with the U21s, I made it a point to watch the younger age groups. It’s about creating a sense of continuity and showing the younger players that they’re valued. I hope Tuchel does the same and takes an interest in everything the FA is doing to develop the next generation of talent.”
Tuchel has spoken fondly of his time in England, referring to himself as an “Anglophile” and expressing his admiration for English football. His time at Chelsea was marked by tactical brilliance and an ability to get the best out of his players, qualities that many hope he will bring to the England setup. Pearce is optimistic that Tuchel will immerse himself in the broader goals of the FA, particularly in nurturing young talent and developing the next generation of English coaches.
As for Grealish, his resurgence under Carsley and his renewed sense of purpose will be key as he looks to cement his place in Tuchel’s plans for England’s future. With his dynamic style of play and newfound confidence, Grealish could play a pivotal role in helping England reach new heights under their incoming manager. For now, his return to form is a welcome sign for fans and a reminder of the talent he possesses.