Jack Grealish’s surprise exclusion from England’s latest squad has ignited debate among fans and pundits alike. Despite a strong run of form at Everton, the 30-year-old playmaker was left out by manager Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming international fixtures. Former pros and supporters are now questioning whether the decision was purely tactical—or if something personal is at play.
Tuchel’s Squad Raises Eyebrows
England boss Thomas Tuchel made waves when he named his squad for the upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia, notably leaving out three high-profile stars: Jack Grealish, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden. While some might chalk it up to rotation or experimentation, others see deeper issues beneath the surface—especially in the case of Grealish.
The attacking midfielder, now on loan at Everton from Manchester City, has enjoyed a productive start to the Premier League season with one goal and four assists in seven appearances. His creative spark has helped rejuvenate Everton’s form, yet his performances weren’t enough to secure an international recall.
Kilbane Suggests a “Personal” Rift
Former Everton and Republic of Ireland midfielder Kevin Kilbane believes there’s more to Grealish’s omission than meets the eye. Speaking to Best New Bingo Sites, Kilbane didn’t mince words:
“Jack Grealish should be in the England squad. Based on his form and past contributions to the national team, there’s no footballing reason to leave him out. It has to be personal.”
Kilbane pointed to Grealish’s ability to influence matches—even as an impact substitute—and expressed confusion over his continued absence. He speculated that Grealish may simply not fit into Tuchel’s plans on a personal level, suggesting: “His face just doesn’t fit.”
Tuchel Responds to Growing Criticism
When pressed about his decisions in a recent press conference, Tuchel firmly denied any personal conflict with Grealish, Bellingham, or Foden.
“There’s no issue with Jack—or Phil or Jude,” Tuchel stated. “They know I appreciate their talent and personality. But selection is about more than just appreciation. This is my decision, and they have to accept it.”
The England manager made it clear that he continues to monitor all three players closely but insisted that form alone does not guarantee selection.
Moyes: Grealish Can Still Force His Way In
Everton manager David Moyes weighed in on the situation, acknowledging Grealish’s strong start while urging him to raise his game even further.
“We’re pushing Jack to get more assists and goals,” Moyes said. “He’s up there in the Premier League assist charts, but if he adds more goals, he’ll be hard to ignore for England.”
Moyes also reiterated Grealish’s desire to return to the international stage, stating that creative players like him are crucial in tight matches and major tournaments.
What’s Next for Grealish?
While Grealish continues to impress at club level, his England future remains uncertain. Whether his omission is purely tactical, a stylistic mismatch, or something more personal remains a topic of debate. One thing is clear: if his form holds, it will be increasingly difficult for Tuchel to justify leaving him out much longer—especially with the World Cup looming next year.
