Grealish for England? Toffees Borrowed Star Giving England Manager a Headache

'Grealish has contributed enormously' - David Moyes

Match official Michael Salisbury had barely sounded the full-time whistle to confirm the Toffees' dramatic late win over Crystal Palace when the Merseyside outfit updated the bio on their social media.

Below the club's famous badge were displayed three words: England Needs Grealish.

It is almost a year since the attacking midfielder last wore a Three Lions shirt in a 3-1 international win over Finland in the Finnish capital under interim manager Lee Carsley.

And it will be some time before the veteran player receives the chance to play for his national team again after being left out from the England boss's latest squad for a friendly against the Welsh next midweek, followed by a qualifying match in Latvia on 14 October.

However, one aspect remains perfectly evident: Grealish is doing everything he can to force his way into Tuchel's plans for next summer's World Cup.

After providing four assists in his initial half-dozen top-flight appearances for the Blues, the midfielder scored the 93rd-minute winner to secure his side's comeback victory after the Palace keeper had saved the striker from close quarters.

Timed at 92 minutes and 21 seconds, it was the club's latest home league winning goal since spring 2022 against Newcastle - deep into added time.

"Do you know what's mad?" remarked the star, speaking to broadcasters after the match.

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

"This time, I actually said the same thing again and I put it in. I sprinted towards where my parents were, so it was special."

  • Grealish 93rd-minute winner for the Toffees ends Palace unbeaten run
  • 'Exceeding expectations' - Moyes praises maverick the attacker after win

'England omission not a big deal'

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

He will be not allowed to face his parent club City when Everton resume play after the international break on October 18.

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

"Honestly," he told the radio station after the Crystal Palace game, "I don't think as serious as everyone says."

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

"The coach makes the choices and I fully respect that."

He continued: "I'm focused on playing for this club because they are the ones that showed faith in me and had confidence in me, so I'm thoroughly loving it here."

But, ex-international the legendary forward told BBC Sport that Grealish's form for Everton will be giving the England boss a "selection problem".

"The only thing for him is continue performing what he is doing, clearly getting a winner today," said the pundit, who scored over fifty strikes in 120 appearances for the national team.

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

"Should he feature, his talent will show, so I'm confident he'll be giving the England manager a dilemma."

'Johnny-on-the-spot'

The midfielder in action for Everton

The attacker started seven top division matches last season - he's started six since joining Everton in the summer.

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

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

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

In Grealish's several league games since joining on a temporary deal from Manchester City, he has logged significant game time, had five goal involvements, created 17 chances and had 10 shots.

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

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

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

Moyes disclosed Grealish had missed training during the week because of a minor injury, adding: "He has had to miss the odd day of training but he is doing a lot of good things."

The midfielder was not the only player excluded from the manager's England squad who managed to score this round of fixtures.

Marcus Rashford netted again for Barcelona - although they were beaten 4-1 at their opponents - while Mason Mount scored in Manchester United 2-0 win over the Black Cats on the weekend.

Michael Chapman
Michael Chapman

A passionate digital artist and educator with over a decade of experience in creative technology and design mentorship.