Jack Grealish was snubbed by Thomas Tuchel once again for the latest England squad as the on-loan star continues to shine for Everton, netting a stoppage-time winner against Crystal Palace on Sunday
Jeremy joined the Daily Star in 2010 as Manchester football correspondent and for more than a decade has served as our Chief Sports Writer. He provides expert coverage on Manchester United and Manchester City, the Premier League as a whole, and the England football team. Jeremy has covered football, rugby and cricket World Cups, as well as Wimbledon, the golf majors and the Olympics.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 5: Jack Grealish of Everton during the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Jack Grealish is enjoying his loan spell with Everton(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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He's gone from 'Jack the Lad' in Manchester, to a 'Jack-in-the-box' at Everton. And the move down the East Lancs Road appears to have given Jack Grealish more perspective.
As well as more chances to remind people just how good he can be. When Grealish was left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024, he made no secret of his devastation.
There was also an element of bitterness in his reaction, because Grealish had a genuine belief he deserved a place on the plane to Germany. And who knows? Had he been there, perhaps he might have produced that moment of inspiration England needed in the final defeat to Spain.
Fast forward 15 months and some things haven't changed. But others have.
Grealish is still on the outside looking in, when it comes to being involved with the Three Lions. But he now accepts the situation, even if, on current form, Thomas Tuchel's decision to not pick him feels more bizarre than Southgate's choice ahead of the last major tournament.
"At the end of the day, you want to play for the national team, but people are doing well in my position," said Grealish. "I'm doing well also, but the people picked last month did really well in the two games, so that's fine with me.
"That's the manager's decision and I fully respect that. I'm focused on playing for Everton because that's who put their trust in me and believed in me, so I'm really enjoying it here."
Few love pulling on an England shirt more than the likeable Grealish. But it is now more than 12 months since he last did this. And deep down inside, it will be killing Grealish. But instead of sulking, Grealish has taken the opposite approach.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05: Jack Grealish of Everton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Everton and Crystal Palace at Hill Dickinson Stadium on October 05, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Jack Grealish understands why he wasn't called up by Thomas Tuchel
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Having been left at home by Pep Guardiola for the Club World Cup in America, Grealish took himself off for a summer break. He put himself through some punishing late night runs, because it was the only time he could exercise due to the stifling heat.
He returned to the Etihad and trained alone, and is now getting what he deserves. Well, at club level, at least. There is a growing clamour for Grealish to be given anther chance with England.
And Tuchel should listen. He can change games, create goals and score them and is also a positive influence around the squad.
Grealish is now 30 and knows next summer's World Cup will be his last chance to succeed on the biggest stage of all. And if he keeps doing all he can to earn one, Tuchel would be foolish not to give Grealish the opportunity he deserves.
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