The Athletic’s Gregg Evans has been discussing Jack Grealish during a recent episode of the 1874 podcast after he was an unused substitute during England’s recent UEFA Nations League defeat at the hands of Denmark.
Along with Dan Bardell, the pair discussed why the England boss Gareth Southgate appears to be so reluctant to select the Aston Villa man. The 25-year-old has started the current Premier League campaign in fine form, netting three times and providing three assists in as many appearances to date (as per Transfermarkt).
As a result of his impressive displays so far this season, his average performance rating according to WhoScored.com is 8.54/10.
So what has Evans had to say with regards to the fact he continues to be overlooked at international level?
“It’s really quite strange, actually. You know, there’s been sort of the conspiracy theories that Southgate doesn’t like Grealish and that’s been going on for some time when he wouldn’t get into the squad, but it just keeps continually feeling like there’s more to it because, we’ve seen how well Jack Grealish has played, you know, the both of us are slightly biased, we think he’s brilliant. We’d always have him in the England team, but the rest of the country feel that way too.
“You know, it’s not just us two talking on a podcast saying that Jack Grealish should be playing for England, the rest of the country is saying it and I just can’t seem to see why Southgate doesn’t want to play him. It’s ridiculous, it really is ridiculous, there’s no other way to describe it. You know, it’s not me being dramatic, it’s just crazy, I can’t seem to get my head around it.”
Does Jack Grealish warrant a place in England's starting XI?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
It’s clear from his comments that the journalist believes the £40.5m-rated star warrants a place in the England starting eleven. Having failed to score against Denmark, it could perhaps be argued that England were lacking in creativity and given one of the Birmingham-born midfielder’s strengths is his ability to play key passes, you can understand why Evans feels so strongly about the matter.