After leading Aston Villa to Premier League survival last season, many were expecting to see the name Jack Grealish in the England squad. Yet, once again, the 24-year-old has been left out by Gareth Southgate despite being one of the best young players around last season.
Before, the excuse was that he wasn’t playing Premier League football. So, now, after seeing Grealish become a consistent top-flight performer week in week out, why did Southgate decide to show the Aston Villa man the cold shoulder this time around?
Grealish Snubbed by Southgate Yet Again
Kalvin Phillips and Phil Foden In but Grealish Out
Despite playing in the Championship last season, kalvin Phillips has been handed his first England call-up by Gareth Southgate.
The previously used excuse was that Grealish was a Championship player and, therefore, not ready for an England place. Yet, here we are, a few years later with Phillips set to receive a first England cap before even playing in the Premier League.
The Leeds United midfielder deserved the call-up, yes, but for him to receive one before Jack Grealish is almost unthinkable. The Aston Villa captain dragged his team to the unfathomable relief of Premier League safety last season.
He singlehandedly created 91 chances, completed 73 take-ons, and recorded 14 goal involvements. The fact is, there is nothing more the Villa man could have done to secure an England place.
Phil Foden sat on the bench for most of the Manchester City season, albeit impressing when he did play, and is set for an England debut despite struggling for first-team football at times.
Big Club Bias?
The case of Jack Grealish and his missing invitation to join up with the England squad certainly poses the question of a big club bias within the international setup.
While the likes of Chelsea’s Mason Mount, Tottenham’s Harry Winks and Manchester City’s Phil Foden get into the squad, Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish is left out time and time again.
The same can be said using other examples too. While the likes of Eric Dier and Michael Keane secured their place, Brighton’s Lewis Dunk, despite arguably enduring a better season, has missed out yet again.
The decision to omit Grealish is a particularly bizarre one from Southgate which poses several questions when considering the Aston Villa man’s rapidly increasing ability.
Perhaps a big club move could see the Villa academy graduate welcomed with open arms by Southgate in the future. For now, however, he will be forced to watch the Three Lions from home once again.
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