Jack Grealish has been a man revitalised on loan at Everton, it is a hammer blow to him that his season has ended - leaving his World Cup hopes lying in tatters
Jack Grealish in action for Everton
Jack Grealish has received the news he didn't want to hear after his recent injury(Image: Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Jack Grealish struggled to come to terms with missing out on Euro 2024 with England. So heaven knows how he will cope with the hammer blow that his World Cup dream is over as well.
Grealish will be devastated at the news he needs an operation on his fractured foot that will rule him out for the rest of the season. When Thomas Tuchel and his England squad head to Florida in June to ramp up their preparations for the World Cup in North America, Grealish will be in the middle of his rehabilitation.
Working hard alone, thinking he should be in the 'Sunshine State'. But also wondering what his future will hold.
Grealish has been on-loan this season from Everton, where he has rediscovered some of the form which one made him the most expensive footballer in Britain.
In 2023 he helped Pep Guardiola's City win a historic 'Treble'. But since then his career has gone backwards - and this is now the nadir for someone who must think that, whatever he's done wrong in his life, he didn't deserve such cruel luck.
Grealish went on holiday in 2024 and spent some of his break watching England's march to the final of the Euros. But the experience became so painful, he missed some of the matches on purpose and turned his mobile phone off.
"I'll be honest, football-wise it was the most difficult thing I've ever had to deal with in terms of my own career," he said, "I felt like I should have been in the squad, I was absolutely heartbroken".
Loan star Grealish has enjoyed life at Everton
Loan star Grealish has enjoyed life at Everton
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Grealish might have his critics, but having been in his company, it's not difficult to work out he is a genuine bloke who loves football. He doesn't attempt to be someone he isn't. He is open, honest and candid. And despite his fame and fortune, never forgets how he can use his position of influence to help others.
During England's first game of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Grealish scored England's sixth goal against Iran.
He performed a celebration which saw him wave his arms around. He did it because a young City supporter who suffers from cerebral palsy had asked him to. The gesture meant little to millions, but the world to the lad back in Manchester.
Grealish celebrates scoring at the 2022 World Cup
Grealish has never forgot where he come from - and never forgets his fans(Image: Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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Grealish might not have got picked by Tuchel, who has chosen to ignore the attacking midfielder since becoming manager. But what will be hardest of all for Grealish to take, is that now he will never know.
And at the age of 30, the chances are he will never get to go to another World Cup before hanging up his boots.
Which is a huge shame - because football needs talents like Grealish showcasing his skills on the biggest stages of all.