Grealish's England Hopes? Toffees Borrowed Star Giving Tuchel a Headache

Jack Grealish 'has helped us an awful lot' - Everton Boss

Referee the official had barely blown the final whistle to seal Everton's dramatic late win over the Eagles when the Merseyside outfit updated the bio on their social media.

Below the club's famous badge were displayed a short phrase: England Needs Grealish.

It is almost a year since Jack Grealish last sported a Three Lions shirt in a three-one Nations League win over Finland in the Finnish capital under caretaker manager Lee Carsley.

It will be while longer before the veteran player receives the opportunity to play for his national team again after being omitted from the England boss's most recent squad for a friendly against Wales next midweek, followed by a qualifying match in Latvia on the 14th of October.

But one thing remains perfectly evident: the playmaker is doing all in his power to force his way into the manager's plans for the upcoming World Cup.

After providing four assists in his first six top-flight appearances for the Blues, Grealish netted the 93rd-minute winner to secure his team's comeback victory after Dean Henderson had saved the striker from point-blank range.

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

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

"Our recent matches we've played here we've been tied and I've thought in the 85th minute, 'come on Jack, go and score. Imagine if you scored now'.

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

"Today, I actually said the exact words again and I put it in. I ran to where my mum and dad were, so it was nice."

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'England omission not a big deal'

The weekend's game was Grealish's last for three weeks - having only recently to put together six straight league starts for the first time in almost 30 months.

He is ineligible to face his parent club City when his loan side return to action after the international break on October 18.

There are over eight months before the start of the global tournament. Will Grealish be included on the national team flight?

"Honestly," he shared with the radio station after the Palace game, "it's not as deep as everyone says."

"Ultimately, you want to play for the England side but people are performing strongly in my role. I'm doing well also, but the players picked last month did exceptionally in the two games so I accept that with me.

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

Grealish continued: "My priority is playing for Everton because they are the ones that showed faith in me and believed in me, so I'm really enjoying it here."

But, former England striker the legendary forward told the media that the player's performances for the Merseysiders will be creating the England boss a "headache".

"All Jack can do is continue performing what he is doing, obviously getting a winner today," said Rooney, who scored over fifty strikes in more than a hundred games for the national team.

"I believe if he maintains that he will be in contention come the tournament.

"If Jack plays, his ability will shine through, so I'm confident he'll be posing the national coach a headache."

'In the right place'

The midfielder in play for his loan club

Jack Grealish featured in seven top division matches last season - he's started six since joining Goodison Park in August.

The England manager maintains the door remains open for Grealish, 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 national team coach stated on Friday.

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

During his seven league games since joining on a temporary deal from Manchester City, he has played 556 minutes, had multiple contributions, created 17 chances and had several attempts.

"He's been excellent again," said manager the coach after his team's first win since 30 August.

"I have been urging him to get goals. He is always in the right place.

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

The manager disclosed Grealish had missed training during the week because of a slight issue, adding: "He has had to miss the occasional session of training but he is doing a lot of good things."

Grealish was not the only player left out from Tuchel's national squad who succeeded to score this weekend.

The forward netted again for the Spanish giants - although they were defeated 4-1 at Sevilla - while the midfielder scored in United's 2-0 win over the Black Cats on Saturday.

Beth Brown
Beth Brown

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