England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued an Anthony Gordon blow towards Everton winger Jack Grealish.
On Friday, Grealish was informed that he had not made the final England squad for the World Cup Qualifiers.
Everton News understands that Grealish has been told Everton want to sign him permanently beyond his initial loan spell.
David Moyes and the Toffees have been delighted with the performances Grealish has produced since making the move to Merseyside.
“We’re really pleased with how he’s doing. We want him to keep adding to his tally of assists and a couple of goals more,” Moyes told the media on Friday.
James Garner hailed Grealish as one of the Premier League’s best, but that is clearly not a view shared by the England manager, who shared an odd message during his own press conference.
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Thomas Tuchel issues Anthony Gordon blow to Jack Grealish
After a sensational start to the campaign for the Everton loanee, Tuchel praised Grealish’s form which saw him being named Player of the Month in August.
That praise has not resulted in a call up, with Grealish’s England chances now taking a real blow.
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Speaking to the media on Friday, Tuchel only rubbed salt in Grealish’s wounds by admitting he picked Gordon who is not even 100 per cent fit.
“We are aware he has been subbed twice for minor issues. We are in close contact with the Newcastle medical staff on a very trustful and professional level,” said the German.
“We decided to call him up and my last information is that we have a chance he will come to the camp and we will take care of him.
“We will not take any unnecessary risk. Players’ health is always first.”
Even Eden Hazard has waxed lyrical about Grealish’s performances this season, with the Belgian wowed by what the 30-year-old has shown.
Clearly, that is not a view shared by Tuchel who has ignored Grealish in all three of his selections this season despite his impressive form.
Jack Grealish has outperformed Gordon in the Premier League
Earlier in the season, Tuchel said he’d pick his England squad based off form, which is something he does not appear to have stuck to.
In the Premier League, Grealish has massively outperformed Gordon this season, yet the Newcastle man still gets the nod over him.
25/26 Premier League Jack Grealish Anthony Gordon
Appearances 9 7
Minutes 737 463
Goals 1 0
Assists 4 0
It has to be noted that Gordon has played well in the Champions League for Newcastle, but his league form is not impressive at all.
Obviously, Grealish is not playing Champions League football this term, with Everton targeting European qualification this season.
But Tuchel should know full well the quality that Grealish has shown on the European stage in the not so distant past.