Former manager Tim Sherwood has backed Jack Grealish to be part of his ideal England team as the 2026 World Cup edges closer.
The Manchester City loanee has enjoyed quite the start to life at Everton, where he is already becoming a fan favourite.
Under the guidance of David Moyes, it already seems as though Jack Grealish is enjoying his football again, with his displays showing as much.
[
Click to subscribe to the podcast ](https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheBackFour?sub_confirmation=1)
While it’s only three Premier League games so far, a continuation of his form could see a return to the England setup under Thomas Tuchel.
For Tim Sherwood, it’s clear that Grealish has to start, even if it is ahead of one Everton villain.
Jack Grealish looks on at the travelling Everton fans during a game against Wolves
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Tim Sherwood picks Jack Grealish over Anthony Gordon in ideal England XI
The past week has been a decent one for the Three Lions, as England’s 5-0 win over Serbia capped off the international break with two wins and a fine performance.
Featuring in those displays on the left wing was Newcastle star and Everton villain Anthony Gordon.
The forward infamously forced a move away from the Toffees and has impressed since making the move to the north east.
Gordon’s pace is a particular issue for defences, but perhaps it’ll be the technical ability of Grealish that dislodges him from that position.
Sherwood certainly thinks that should be the case, naming the Man City loanee on the left wing in his ideal England XI with Sky Sports.
On the new Everton hero, he said: “And Jack Grealish, I think we need to keep the ball. I mean, I’ve watched Jack since he’s gone there to Everton now, and I mean, he’s given more shirts away than he has passes.
“He’s been absolutely incredible. He takes the team forward. You roll the ball into him, he holds it up, he brings everyone in.
“And the more players who are technically gifted and can play with each other, the better your side would be.”
It’s plenty of praise for Grealish, while the decision would snub Gordon from the team altogether.
The two players have slightly different profiles, though, and very different starts to their season.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at Villa Park.
Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images
Jack Grealish and Anthony Gordon compared so far this season
With the season only being a few games in, not many conclusions can be drawn, but excitement and anticipation can be built.
Everton fans certainly love Jack Grealish from the snippets they’ve seen from him, and for good reason, too.
Four assists over three Premier League games for the 29-year-old has brought back some of the attacking flair that has been missing for some time with the Toffees.
If he is to compete with Gordon for a place in the October international squad, then he will certainly have an advantage.
The 24-year-old is yet to pick up a goal or assist this season, while he has served one match of a three-match suspension for a red card against Liverpool.
It gives Grealish a chance to rack up even more assists, and perhaps a goal or two, to truly put himself in the frame for that left-wing role.