Everton loanee Jack Grealish missed out on yet another England squad this month with the World Cup just months away
Wayne Rooney has given his verdict on Jack GrealishView 3 Images
Former England and Everton star Wayne Rooney believes Jack Grealish's World Cup hopes are dead and buried.
Everton loanee Grealish featured in the Three Lions squad at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup, but missed the cut for Euro 2024 and hasn't been selected under current international boss Thomas Tuchel.
Grealish has performed well since arriving at Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City. However, England possess significant depth in attacking positions, as demonstrated in Thursday's 2-0 win over Serbia when Bukayo Saka and Ebere Eze were on target.
Author avatar
"Jack Grealish may as well book his holiday for the summer now because he's not getting in the squad," Rooney said on The Wayne Rooney Show.
"You think Anthony Gordon dropped out [through injury] and he still doesn't get called into it, so I think Thomas Tuchel is quite set."
Newcastle winger Gordon withdrew late from Tuchel's squad, but attacking options remained plentiful. Saka, Marcus Rashford and Morgan Rogers started behind striker Harry Kane, with Eze, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden introduced as substitutes.
Jack Grealish during Everton vs FulhamView 3 Images
West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen remained on the bench and may feature against Albania on Sunday. Cole Palmer is also likely to be ahead of Grealish in the pecking order once fit again, whilst Noni Madueke has received more recent call-ups than the former Aston Villa player.
Everton boss David Moyes didn't appear to troubled despite Tuchel omitting Grealish from his most recent squad. "I get asked about Jack in every press conference," he told reporters prior to his side's triumph against Fulham.
"We are pleased with how he is doing and we want him to add to his tally of assists and score a couple of goals more as well - that will help us a lot. Thomas Tuchel picks his England team and he has to decide what he wants. At the moment, Jack is doing really, really well for us."
England manager Thomas Tuchel saw his players grind out a 2-0 home win against Serbia on ThursdayView 3 Images
England had already secured their World Cup qualification prior to defeating Serbia, and now have an opportunity to complete their qualifying campaign with eight victories from eight matches and a clean sheet throughout. Next up for them is a match against an Albania side already assured of a play-off place.
While the defensive statistics are impressive, Tuchel also addressed his squad's forward options following the latest victory.
Among those in front of Grealish in the pecking order is Foden, who is also part of the reason why Manchester City have allowed their £100m man to leave on loan.
Find more about Wayne Rooney delivers Hill Dickinson Stadium verdict as Everton 'worry' avoided
Find more about Steven Gerrard has explained job conditions as Middlesbrough stance on Liverpool icon emerges
Find more about Jordan Pickford suffers injury scare as Everton pair help leave Cristiano Ronaldo fuming
Find more about Troy Deeney snubs Iliman Ndiaye and Jack Grealish to name Everton's 'best performer this season'
Find more about Thomas Tuchel's feelings clear after Steven Gerrard called for FA and coaches 'to be fined'
"Phil is in good shape and Phil can make any team better in an offensive position," Tuchel said when questioned about Foden, who delivered the assist for Eze's decisive goal.
"In a central position that is my belief and my trust - he is all smiles. He is full of confidence and you see it in the first touches and the movement."