As Gareth Southgate releases his latest squad of Lions to feature during England’s next international fixtures, Villa’s star man, Jack Grealish, misses out. Nonetheless, the signs are there that a path to the team is possible.
That sign comes with the inclusion of three young English players – all attacking-minded, creative individuals – for their first forays in the set up. The first is Leicester City’s, James Maddison, who has impressed since his £20 million move to the Foxes’ first-team – making the step-up from Championship club, Norwich City. Secondly, Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund is included after a number of assists in the Bundesliga. He has mainly appeared as a substitute in the league but has started both of the German side’s Champions League games. Finally, Southgate has included Mason Mount, the Chelsea midfielder currently on-loan at Frank Lampard’s Derby County.
Latest Squad Gives Our Man Hope
It is perhaps this final inclusion that should give Grealish the most encouragement to fulfill his ambition of breaking into the England set-up. Mount has already contributed five goals across the league and cup competitions this season. Nevertheless, he has achieved this outside of the Premier League, a position that has seemingly ruled players out until this point (Jack Butland perhaps being an exception, following Stoke City’s relegation) regardless of performance.
In addition, England’s Assistant Manager Steve Holland has already been spotted at Villa Park this season, watching our star man against Rotherham, last month.
All this suggests that Grealish is well within the thoughts of the England set-up. The reality is, however, that his reputation within the management would have been gained from some superb performances post-Christmas last season. Jack has been the first to admit that his performances have not been replicated this term. Perhaps, this is to be expected after such a turbulent summer.
Regression…?
The inclusion of Maddison may feel particularly painful, though. The two midfielders were often at the heart of discussions about the Championship’s best player last year. The former Norwich City midfielder got his move to the big time in the summer, whilst, as we know, Grealish was (much to our benefit) kept at Villa for what could be one last promotion push. Maddison’s move and subsequently impressive performances will have firmly placed him as the preferred options in Southgate’s eyes. This will not be lost on Jack and his support network.
Despite that, this week’s upheaval at Aston Villa will hopefully provide Grealish with a new opportunity to push his career forward. Above all, the fans will hope for an exciting coach that will get Grealish back to the scintillating form which bamboozled teams along our run to the Play-Off final.
Show Them What You’re Made Of, Jack!
If there is one thing Grealish has proved in the last year – following his harrowing kidney injury in pre-season last term – it is that he is prepared to use his challenges to motivate him to further his career. Southgate has played his cards. Performances – even in the Championship – can now be rewarded with a place in the squad. Jack will surely harness this as his new motivation going into a new boss’ regime at Villa Park. And surely, we can only benefit from that.