‘Absolutely gobsmacked’ – Sky pundit cannot get over development involving Jack Grealish
Everton will have several players involved in international duty for their countries over the next two weeks.
Jordan Pickford is expected to continue as England’s number one in net when Thomas Tuchel’s side face Andorra on Saturday.
The German has faced calls to consider the position but is set to stick with Pickford, who is set to sign a new contract at Everton.
Vitalii Mykolenko returned from the Ukraine national camp injured this week, with the defender set for another spell on the sidelines.
Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye were present as Senegal beat Sudan, but the latter was an unused substitute.
Lee Hendrie ‘gobsmacked’ by Jack Grealish snub
Jack Grealish was desperate for a call up to Tuchel’s England team, but the winger was snubbed by the German.
The 29-year-old has been outstanding for Everton since his move on loan from Manchester City in August, providing four assists in his first three Premier League appearances.
Against Wolves, Grealish was particularly impressive, directing and leading the attack as the Toffees scored three away at Molineux.
But the former Aston Villa man’s form was clearly not enough for Tuchel, who opted for the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Noni Madueke instead.
| Premier League 2025/26 | Jack Grealish | Jarrod Bowen | Noni Madueke |
| Appearances | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| Goals | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Assists | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Lee Hendrie told Sky Sports News on Saturday 6 September that he is “gobsmacked” by the decision.
“It’s going to change throughout the year for sure,” the former Aston Villa man said.
“This is a good opportunity for some of these players that have been drafted in, or were sort of on the fringes of actually getting into Tuchel’s plans – this is their opportunity to really go and shine.
“I’ll tell you who I’m absolutely gobsmacked that’s not involved, is Grealish!”
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Jack Grealish is needed for England
Tuchel will quickly realise that Grealish represents something that is sorely lacking in the current crop of England players.
The winger is a maverick, capable of single-handedly flipping a match on its head with his ability to run at, and pass defenders with ease.
Grealish will likely not discouraged by his absence from the squad, instead seeing it as an opportunity to prove Tuchel wrong.
The 29-year-old’s real focus is set on the squad for the 2026 World Cup, and he will make sure he gets on that plane.
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