Jack Grealish, the flamboyant Everton winger on loan from Manchester City, has found himself on the sidelines of England’s national team, sparking intense discussion among fans and pundits alike. Despite a scintillating start to the 2025/26 Premier League season, where he notched four assists in just two starts for Everton, Grealish was conspicuously absent from Thomas Tuchel’s 24-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia in September 2025. The German manager, tasked with steering England to glory at the 2026 World Cup, justified his decision by emphasizing a “tighter, more competitive squad,” leaving out high-profile names like Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold. “There is no doubt I am a big fan of Trent and Jack Grealish,” Tuchel said at a press conference. “Big players and big personalities are always in the mix. I know both are desperate, but in this camp, we decided for Marcus Rashford and Eberechi Eze, simply for competition.”
Grealish’s omission is particularly striking given his recent resurgence. After a challenging spell at Manchester City, where limited game time stifled his creativity, the 29-year-old sought a fresh start with a season-long loan to Everton under David Moyes. His impact was immediate, with a standout performance in a 2-0 victory over Brighton, where he provided two assists, catching the eye of England’s assistant manager Anthony Barry. “I think Jack is starting to play again and he has a huge impact at Everton, which is nice to see,” Tuchel acknowledged, hinting at Grealish’s potential to reclaim his spot. Yet, for the upcoming matches, Tuchel opted for Rashford and Eze, citing their form and versatility as key factors in a squad trimmed to foster intensity and energy.
The decision reflects Tuchel’s broader vision for England, as he aims to blend youth and experience ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Injuries to key players like Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and Cole Palmer forced Tuchel to reshape his squad, introducing fresh faces like Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Tottenham’s Djed Spence, both earning their first senior call-ups. Grealish, who last played for England in a 3-1 Nations League win over Finland in October 2024, faces fierce competition in attacking midfield and wide positions. Tuchel’s preference for Rashford, despite his lack of assists at Barcelona, and Eze, who struggled to impress in recent outings, has raised eyebrows. “The competition is up,” Tuchel declared, signaling that Grealish must maintain his club form to force his way back into contention.
Grealish’s journey with England has been a rollercoaster. With 39 caps since his debut in 2020, he has often been a fan favorite for his flair and ability to break defensive lines. His versatility as an attacking midfielder or left winger, coupled with his knack for drawing fouls, makes him a unique asset. However, his international career has faced setbacks, including a controversial omission from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad. Tuchel’s arrival in 2025 brought hope for a fresh start, especially after the manager praised Grealish’s personality and courage. “I love everything about him – his personality, I love his quality, the guy has courage, he can take the heat,” Tuchel said in March, yet Grealish has yet to feature in any of his squads.
The road ahead for Grealish is clear but challenging. Tuchel has emphasized the need for regular football, a box Grealish is ticking at Everton, where teammate Jordan Pickford described him as “a player reborn” in training. His recent performances, including a dazzling display against Wolverhampton, highlight his ability to influence games with his vision and tenacity. However, with England’s squad evolving and Tuchel prioritizing a dynamic, high-energy unit, Grealish must sustain his club form to secure a recall. The upcoming qualifiers against Serbia, a tougher test than Andorra, will reveal whether Tuchel’s gamble on youth pays off or if Grealish’s absence leaves England lacking creativity.
As the World Cup looms, Grealish’s exclusion underscores the ruthless competition within Tuchel’s squad. With veterans like Jordan Henderson and emerging talents like Adam Wharton vying for spots, the fight for a place in the Three Lions is fiercer than ever. For Grealish, the message is clear: keep shining at Everton, and the door to England remains ajar. As he navigates this pivotal phase of his career, fans eagerly await the return of the maverick whose flair could yet light up the international stage.
Leave a Reply