It was a solid enough outing for England as they brushed past Serbia in their latest World Cup qualifier, with a goal in each half from Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze enough to deliver a 2-0 victory. The Arsenal right-winger picked up the Man of the Match award in what was a largely routine win.
Thomas Tuchel will have few complaints ahead of his team's final World Cup qualifier against Albania on Sunday, with the Three Lions securing their 2026 qualification in the previous international break. All in all, it's been a smooth period for England of late, but that isn't necessarily good news for one man.
Indeed, in the aftermath of the win over Serbia, Wayne Rooney has named one English Premier League star who 'may as well book his holiday for the summer now' because he's got no chance of aming the World Cup squad.
Wayne Rooney Claims Jack Grealish Has No World Cup Hopes
wayne rooney
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, England's former captain explained why he felt recent events have as good as ended any hopes Jack Grealish had of playing at the 2026 World Cup. He said:
"Jack Grealish may as well book his holiday for the summer now because he’s not getting in the squad.
"You think Anthony Gordon dropped out and he still doesn’t get called into it, so I think Thomas Tuchel is quite set."
Grealish has been in fine form for Everton, on loan from Manchester City, so far this season, but that wasn't enough to land him a spot in Tuchel's November break sqaud. The winger has not played for England for more than a year, and is yet to be called up under the German.
His most recent outing came under interim boss Lee Carsley, with Grealish actually scoring in that final appearance: a 3-1 away win against Finland in October 2024. He played three times under Carsley, scoring twice but hasn't been able to win over new boss Tuchel.
Concerningly, the 30-year-old has impressed of late for Everton, with one goal and four Premier League assists in his first 10 outings for the club. As such, he'll be wondering what more he can do to earn a recall.
But competition for places is very strong, and with Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford among the key names to have been given a second chance for England under Tuchel, it's easy to see why Rooney has his doubts.
Tuchel Praised Grealish in March But Has Yet To Offer England Chance
England boss Thomas Tuchel
Back in March, the England manager was full of praise for Grealish, saying: "I love Jack. I love everything about him - his personality, I love his quality, the guy has courage, he can take the heat, he is not affected if the Bernabeu whistles him."
That said, he suggested that the winger needed more minutes before he could be considered, adding: "So is he a player who can be available and have an impact in our squad? Yes - 100 per cent. But lately he simply has no rhythm, and he knows that himself. I think Jack gets better and better the more minutes he plays. He has the character to be the glue in a team, it is easy for youngsters to attach to him."
Having since moved on loan to Everton, and becoming a key man for the Toffees, it's somewhat telling that Grealish has not been able to convince Tuchel that he deserves a call-up.