Grealish's England Hopes? Everton Borrowed Star Giving England Manager a Selection Dilemma

'Jack Grealish has been a massive help' - David Moyes

Match official Michael Salisbury had barely blown the final whistle to seal the Toffees' last-gasp win over the Eagles when the club updated the bio on their X account.

Below the team's iconic badge were displayed three words: Grealish Deserves England Call.

It's nearly a year since the attacking midfielder last wore a Three Lions shirt in a three-one international win over the Finns in the Finnish capital under interim manager the former coach.

It will be some time before the veteran player gets the chance to represent his national team again after being omitted from the England boss's latest squad for a friendly against Wales next Thursday, followed by a qualifying match in Latvia on the 14th of October.

But one thing remains perfectly evident: Grealish is doing everything he can to force his way into Tuchel's plans for the upcoming World Cup.

Having delivered four assists in his first six top-flight appearances for Everton, the midfielder scored the late winner to seal his side's comeback victory after the Palace keeper had saved Beto from close quarters.

Timed at 92 minutes and 21 seconds, it was Everton's most recent home league winning goal since spring 2022 against Newcastle - 98 minutes and 20 seconds.

"Can you believe this?" remarked the star, in an interview with Sky Sports after the match.

"The last games we've played here we've been tied and I've said to myself in the 85th minute, 'come on Jack, go and score. Think about scoring a late goal'.

"I said it against Aston Villa, and I didn't score. I said it against the Hammers and I couldn't convert.

"This time, I actually said the exact words again and I scored. I ran to where my mum and dad were, so it was nice."

  • Late Grealish strike for the Toffees ends Palace unbeaten run
  • 'Exceeding expectations' - the manager lauds maverick the attacker after win

'England omission not a big deal'

The weekend's game was Grealish's last for a few weeks - having only recently to string together six straight league starts for the initial occasion in almost 30 months.

He will be not allowed to face his parent club Manchester City when Everton return to action after the fixture pause on 18 October.

It's 249 days before the kickoff of the World Cup. Is Grealish likely to be on board the England plane?

"Honestly," he shared with the radio station after the Palace game, "I don't think as deep as people make out."

"Ultimately, you want to play for the England side but people are doing well in my position. I'm doing well also, but the players picked previously did really well in the two games so that's fine with me.

"That's the manager's decision and I completely understand that."

He added: "My priority is playing for Everton because they are the ones that put their trust in me and had confidence in me, so I'm really enjoying it here."

However, former England striker Wayne Rooney informed the media that the player's performances for Everton will be giving the England boss a "selection problem".

"All Jack can do is continue performing what he is achieving, clearly scoring a goal today," said Rooney, who scored over fifty strikes in 120 appearances for the national team.

"I believe if he keeps doing that he will be in contention come the summer.

"Should he feature, his talent will shine through, so I'm sure he'll be giving the England manager a headache."

'In the right place'

The midfielder in action for Everton

Jack Grealish started several top division games last season - he's begun half a dozen since joining Everton in August.

Tuchel insists the door remains open for the playmaker, who has numerous international appearances and several strikes for his nation, in terms of the global competition next summer.

"There is always a way back into the squad," the England boss stated on Friday.

"He is aware that I recognize how impactful he is for the team and that he is on his path to be the top form of himself."

During his seven Premier League games since arriving on a season-long loan from City, he has logged 556 minutes, had multiple contributions, created 17 chances and had several attempts.

"He's been excellent again," remarked manager the coach after his side's initial victory since late August.

"I have been urging him to get goals. He is Johnny-on-the-spot.

"Iliman Ndiaye's cross was fantastic and Beto should have buried it. But Jack is in and around to get the goal."

The manager revealed the player had skipped training during the week because of a slight issue, noting: "He's needed to miss the occasional session of training but he is doing a many good things."

The midfielder was not the only player excluded from Tuchel's national squad who succeeded to find the net this weekend.

Marcus Rashford netted again for Barcelona - although they were beaten four-one at Sevilla - while Mason Mount got a goal in Manchester United victory over the Black Cats on Saturday.

Samuel Barnes
Samuel Barnes

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