England Call for Grealish? Toffees Borrowed Star Giving England Manager a Selection Dilemma

'Jack Grealish has been a massive help' - Everton Boss

Referee Michael Salisbury had barely sounded the final whistle to seal Everton's last-gasp win over the Eagles when the Merseyside outfit updated the profile on their X account.

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

It's nearly a year since Jack Grealish last wore a Three Lions shirt in a 3-1 international win over Finland in Helsinki under caretaker manager Lee Carsley.

It will be while longer before the 30-year-old receives the chance to represent his country again after being omitted from the England boss's latest squad for a exhibition match against Wales next midweek, followed by a World Cup qualifier 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 Tuchel's plans for the upcoming World Cup.

Having delivered several key passes in his first six Premier League appearances for the Blues, the midfielder netted the 93rd-minute winner to secure his team's comeback victory after the Palace keeper had saved Beto from point-blank range.

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

"Do you know what's mad?" said Grealish, speaking to broadcasters after the game.

"Our recent matches 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 thought it against Villa, and I didn't score. I repeated it against the Hammers and I didn't score.

"This time, I really thought the same thing again and I put it in. I sprinted towards where my mum and dad were, so it was nice."

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

'Not playing for England isn't deep'

Sunday's game was the midfielder's last for three weeks - having only recently to string together six successive Premier League starts for the first time in almost 30 months.

He will be not allowed to face his parent club City when his loan side resume play after the fixture pause on October 18.

It's 249 days before the start of the global tournament. Is Grealish likely to be on board the national team flight?

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

"Ultimately, you want to play for the England side but people are performing strongly in my role. I'm doing well also, but the people selected previously did exceptionally in the recent matches so that's fine with me.

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

He added: "My priority is playing for this club because that's who showed faith in me and believed in me, so I'm thoroughly loving it here."

But, former England striker the legendary forward informed the media that the player's performances for the Merseysiders will be giving Tuchel a "selection problem".

"All Jack can do is keep doing what he is achieving, clearly getting a winner today," said the pundit, who scored 53 goals in more than a hundred games for England.

"I believe if he maintains that he will be there or thereabouts come the summer.

"If Jack plays, his talent will shine through, so I'm confident he'll be giving the national coach a dilemma."

'In the right place'

Jack Grealish in play for his loan club

Jack Grealish featured in several Premier League matches last season - he's begun half a dozen since joining Goodison Park in the summer.

Tuchel insists the door remains open for the playmaker, who has 39 caps and several strikes for his country, in terms of the global competition next season.

"There's invariably a way back into the camp," the England boss said on last week.

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

During his seven Premier League games since joining on a season-long loan from City, he has played significant game time, had five goal involvements, created 17 chances and had several attempts.

"He's been excellent again," remarked Everton boss the coach after his side's first win since late August.

"I have been pushing him to score more. He is always in the right place.

"The winger's cross was incredible and Beto should have scored. But Grealish is in and around to score the goal."

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

Grealish was not the sole individual left out from the manager's England squad who succeeded to score this round of fixtures.

Marcus Rashford netted again for the Spanish giants - although they were beaten four-one at their opponents - while the midfielder scored in United's 2-0 win over the Black Cats on Saturday.

Brian Brooks
Brian Brooks

Data scientist and tech enthusiast with a passion for demystifying complex AI concepts for a broader audience.