Before this, Manchester City had the distinction of contributing the most players—14—to the 2024 European Championship from any Premier League side, underscoring their dominance. Now, as the squad regroups for upcoming matches, one particular player has found himself under scrutiny regarding his future role at the international level. Jack Grealish, a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s setup at City, has been the subject of debate among pundits, including former Premier League star Danny Murphy.
Murphy recently voiced his opinion on Grealish’s position within the England squad, suggesting that despite his strong performances, the City star may struggle to secure a starting spot once England’s top players return. Speaking on talkSPORT, Murphy acknowledged Grealish’s contributions during England’s two recent 2-0 Nations League wins over Finland and Ireland, but added, “He’s done well, but when everyone’s fit, he won’t play. He’s talented, powerful, and hard to dispossess, but we have players in his position who are more productive.”
Grealish, 29, made the most of his call-up, stepping up when regulars like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer were unavailable. Notably, he found the back of the net in the victory over Ireland and played the full 90 minutes in the win against Finland. Interestingly, Grealish took on an attacking midfield role in these matches, differing from his usual left-wing position at Manchester City.
Lee Carsley, who managed the team during these fixtures, spoke highly of Grealish after the Ireland game, stating that the player has “nothing to prove” to the England coaching staff, despite being left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Euros. Grealish’s versatility and skill were on full display, yet the question remains whether he can maintain his place in a fully fit England side stacked with talent.
As England’s top stars return to the fold, Grealish’s future in the national team setup becomes more uncertain. His recent performances have shown he can deliver at the international level, but whether he can outshine the likes of Bellingham, Foden, and Palmer when they’re back in the mix is another story entirely. All eyes will be on Gareth Southgate’s next squad selection to see where Grealish fits in the pecking order.
