Jack Grealish has been left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the October internationals against Wales and Latvia, despite his recent revival at Everton.
The on loan Manchester City winger has started the season in fine form, winning his first Premier League Player of the Month award, and leading the table for assists. Yet with the World Cup on the horizon the question remains: What does Grealish need to show at Everton to re-establish himself for England?
A fresh start on Merseyside
Grealish couldn’t have wished for a stronger start to life at the Blues settling quickly, embraced by Evertonians, and drawing the loudest roar whenever his name is read out at the Hill Dickinson.
In his short time at Everton, the number 18 has injected new life into the squad, quickly becoming the creative heartbeat. Across just six matches, he has already registered four assists, four times his total from the whole of last season at Manchester City.
Along with his impressive individual performances, Grealish has struck up fresh partnerships, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall standing out. The pair have combined to add fluency and imagination in midfield, both rewarded by ranking among the Premier League’s top five for chances created so far this season.
Grealish’s England journey: From mainstay to omission
After dazzling at the 2020 European Championships and excelling in his final season with Aston Villa, City made him the £100 million man, with huge expectations to deliver.
As the most expensive player in British football history, Grealish was thrust into the spotlight, and for a period became an England regular under Gareth Southgate, valued for his creativity, close control, and ability to change the tempo of games.
Although his time at City brought silverware, including a historic treble, he often struggled with Pep Guardiola’s stricter system, with less freedom to cut inside as he had enjoyed doing at Villa.
That drop-off in influence and minutes ultimately cost him his England spot, with the 2024 Euro’s passing him by as players like Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze seized the opportunity instead.
Hoping to reignite his England career, Grealish stepped away from Manchester City to prove himself in a new squad and remind Tuchel of the quality that once made him indispensable.
England’s wide option’s: A battle for places
Holding onto England’s place as the world’s number four brings huge pressure for Tuchel, and one of his biggest calls to make is who will fill the wide attacking roles in 2026, a key part of England’s drive going forward and crucial in shaping their World Cup chances.
Despite the odds seemingly stacked in Grealish’s favour, he continues to be overlooked in favour of other wingers, such as Gordon and Eze, who arguably had weaker starts to the season.
Both players began to establish themselves at the same time Grealish’s form dipped, and since then they have been consistently selected over him – setting up a battle to reclaim his place.
During the 2023/24 season Gordon had a standout campaign at Newcastle, scoring 11 goals, providing 10 assists, and creating 57 chances. Eze was equally impressive at Crystal Palace, with 11 goals, four assists and 54 chances created. It’s understandable they were favoured as Grealish struggled to create opportunities and managed just three goals upfront.
However, looking at recent performances, there’s little doubt that Grealish’s statistics now suggest he deserves selection over them, a view shared by many fans.
Ultimately, the numbers and performances make a compelling case for him. His ability to carve chances and influence games signals that he deserves serious consideration to regain his place in time for the 2026 World Cup.
