Jack Grealish was not able to feature against Manchester City due to rules around loan players, but that did not stop Paul Merson from talking about the Everton star.
Much has been said about the loanee’s future in the England set-up over recent weeks, with Jamie O’Hara saying the loan rule is unfair to Grealish’s chances.
The Everton man has just three games to impress Thomas Tuchel before the next international break.
Merson was on the Sky Sports panel covering the Manchester City game, and before kick-off, he was adamant that Grealish has to go to the 2026 World Cup due to one specific trait.
Paul Merson working as a pundit
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Paul Merson says Jack Grealish’s ability to keep the ball is essential for England
Paul Merson believes England fans are expecting more from their national team than they need to, and that keeping it simple is the way to go.
In that assessment, the pundit thinks that Grealish possesses the qualities needed for the upcoming tournament, and it has nothing to do with his creativity.
Merson said, “Jack Grealish for me, if Jack Grealish keeps on playing. I take Jack Grealish because Jack Grealish keeps the ball.
“People go, ‘Oh, we don’t get the ball and beat six players anymore to score a goal.’ What he does is he keeps the ball. And when we go to the World Cup, we will have to keep the ball. It’s going to be boiling hot over there, and we have to keep the ball, and for me he ticks that box.”
MORE EVERTON STORIES
International football is much slower than domestic, and having players who can keep things ticking over rather than risk giving the ball away with a ‘Hollywood’ pass or attempted dribble is quite valuable.
The Everton man could be a real asset in the World Cup, but that all relies on whether Thomas Tuchel is willing to give him a shot.
Thomas Tuchel must give Jack Grealish a chance for England
England are already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and the next international break is now a dead rubber for the Three Lions.
This makes it the perfect opportunity for the England manager to get a close view of some other options ahead of the summer tournament.
Grealish has been in incredible form, and whether or not these games mean anything, he would still deserve a call-up.
Hopefully the winger makes the squad next June so we can potentially see more wholesome moments such as Grealish’s touching 2022 World Cup celebration.