Wayne Rooney believes Jack Grealish deserves an England recall after rediscovering his form and freedom on loan at Everton.
Grealish has four assists so far after securing a season-long loan move to Everton from Manchester City, more than his previous two seasons combined.
His form saw him nominated for the Premier League player of the month for September – but it wasn’t enough to earn a first call-up under England manager Thomas Tuchel.
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And after England laboured to a 2-0 win over minnows Andorra this week, Three Lions legend Wayne Rooney said Grealish could be the ‘different’ option available to Tuchel in future.
Wayne Rooney says Jack Grealish is over ‘difficult’ Man City spell, backs him to earn England recall
Speaking on his BBC Sport podcast, Wayne Rooney revealed he attended Jack Grealish’s birthday party ahead of the Everton loanee turning 30 this week.
“Jack’s a really kind-hearted person, and I don’t think that comes across as much as it probably should,” Rooney began. “He’s got a big heart, very respectful and I think by not playing at Manchester City, it was very difficult. I know it was.
“But going to Everton, it’s a club which he’s going to get the time and the space to go and play and enjoy his football and he started very well and hopefully that continues.
“He’s a very gifted player and he’s a little bit different to what England have. You just hope he gets back in the squad and looking at yesterday [England vs Andorra] I’m sure there’s a possibility of that. But just getting back playing and enjoying his football, that’s the main thing.”
Thomas Tuchel has already told Jack Grealish what he must do to earn England recall
Speaking last season when Grealish was still at Manchester City, Thomas Tuchel said the winger ‘gets better and better the more minutes he plays.’ Tuchel is yet to select Grealish, who last played in October under Lee Carsley.
Jack Grealish applauds Everton fans after beating Brighton in the Premier League.
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Tuchel said: “I love everything about him – his personality, I love his quality, the guy has courage, he can take the heat, he is not affected if the Bernabeu whistles him. He has the character to be the glue in a team, it is easy for youngsters to attach to him.”
However, Tuchel also urged Grealish to do what he could to stay out of the media headlines with his off-pitch activity, asking him to be ‘more calm’.
This week, Tuchel challenged Marcus Rashford to produce more ‘wow’ moments for England. So if Grealish can get regular games, stay out of the media and influence games more, then a first England call-up under Tuchel is surely around the corner.