Grealish's England Hopes? Toffees Loanee Providing Tuchel a Headache

'Grealish has contributed enormously' - David Moyes

Referee Michael Salisbury had only just sounded the final whistle to confirm the Toffees' last-gasp win over the Eagles when the Merseyside outfit changed the bio on their social media.

Below the club's famous badge appeared three words: Grealish Deserves England Call.

It is almost a year since the attacking midfielder last sported a England shirt in a three-one international win over the Finns in the Finnish capital under interim manager Lee Carsley.

It will be some time before the 30-year-old receives the chance to play for his country again after being left out from Thomas Tuchel's most recent squad for a exhibition match against Wales next Thursday, followed by a qualifying match in Latvia on the 14th of October.

However, one aspect remains perfectly evident: the playmaker is doing everything he can to play his way into the manager's plans for next summer's World Cup.

After providing four assists in his first six Premier League appearances for Everton, the midfielder netted the late winner to seal his team's comeback victory after the Palace keeper had denied Beto from close quarters.

Timed at the 92nd minute, it was the club's latest home league winning goal since March 2022 against the Magpies - deep into added time.

"Do you know what's mad?" said the star, speaking to Sky Sports after the game.

"Our recent matches we've played here we've been tied and I've thought in the closing stages, 'come on Jack, go and score. Imagine if you scored now'.

"I thought it against Aston Villa, and I failed to find the net. I said it against West Ham and I didn't score.

"Today, I really thought the exact words again and I put it in. I ran to where my parents were, so it was special."

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'England omission not a big deal'

Sunday's game was the midfielder's last for a few weeks - having just managed to string together six straight Premier League starts for the initial occasion in almost 30 months.

He is not allowed to face his owning team City when Everton resume play after the international break on 18 October.

There are 249 days before the kickoff of the global tournament. Is Grealish likely to be included on the England plane?

"Honestly," he told BBC Radio 5 Live after the Palace game, "it's not as deep as everyone says."

"Ultimately, you aspire to play for the national team but people are performing strongly in my role. I'm doing well also, but the people picked last month did really well in the two games so that's fine with me.

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

Grealish added: "I'm focused on playing for this club because that's who put their trust in me and had confidence in me, so I'm really enjoying it here."

However, ex-international Wayne Rooney informed BBC Sport 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 doing, clearly getting a winner today," commented the pundit, who netted over fifty strikes in 120 appearances for England.

"I'm sure if he keeps doing that he will be in contention come the summer.

"If Jack plays, his ability will show, so I'm confident he'll be giving the England manager a dilemma."

'Johnny-on-the-spot'

Jack Grealish in action for Everton

The attacker featured in several top division matches last season - he's started half a dozen since joining Goodison Park in the summer.

The England manager insists the opportunity exists for the playmaker, who has 39 caps and four goals for his country, in terms of the World Cup next summer.

"There's invariably a way back into the camp," the national team coach said on Friday.

"Jack knows that I recognize how impactful he is for the team and that he is on his path to be the best version of himself."

During his seven league games since joining on a temporary deal from City, he has played significant game time, had multiple contributions, set up numerous opportunities and had several attempts.

"He's been excellent again," remarked Everton boss the coach after his team's initial victory since 30 August.

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

"Iliman Ndiaye's cross was fantastic and the forward should have buried it. But Grealish is positioned well to score the goal."

Moyes disclosed the player had skipped training during the week because of a slight issue, adding: "He's needed to miss the odd day of training but he is doing a many good things."

The midfielder was not the sole individual left out from Tuchel's England squad who succeeded to find the net this weekend.

Marcus Rashford scored once more for Barcelona - although they were beaten four-one at their opponents - while Mason Mount got a goal in Manchester United 2-0 win over Sunderland on the weekend.

James Richards
James Richards

A tech enthusiast and lifestyle blogger with a passion for sharing practical insights and inspiring stories.