Jack Grealish sends perfect Gareth Southgate response as Man City star proves why he must be in England squad

It would probably best be described as an encouraging start to what England hope will be an historic summer.

The 3-0 scoreline against Bosnia and Herzegovina aptly reflected the gap between the two nations at St James’ Park, especially in the second half. Several players strengthened their claim to be on that plane to Germany, with Ezri Konsa, Conor Gallagher, Eberechi Eze and Cole Palmer all impressing.

But on Tuesday morning, it was Jack Grealish who was trending on social media. Admittedly, that might be because Grealish is a headline-grabbing sort of player; the face of Gucci, England’s first £100m transfer and someone who had a calendar of his calves commissioned.

He’s an exceptionally popular player and last year when the Manchester City star played at Old Trafford for England, he received the biggest cheer of any player. But he also has no shortage of detractors.

His penchant for earning free-kicks irritates opposition fans, along with his perceived party lifestyle. Since that record-breaking move to the Etihad his suitability in a team containing Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne et al has been questioned, while the lack of goals and assists has been a constant stick to beat Grealish with.

It certainly was an argument used to knock the former Aston Villa man when he was included in Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional England squad two weeks ago, a group that will be cut to just 26 before next week’s European Championships commence.

That Grealish’s six goal contributions from 2023/24 is fewer than the 13 provided by Marcus Rashford, a player deemed unworthy of a spot in the squad, was also noted by numerous Manchester United fans on social media.

Southgate didn’t exactly show his unwavering support for Grealish in Sunday’s pre-match press conference, while his club boss has also levelled some light criticism at the 28-year-old this campaign. Pep Guardiola admitted after the FA Cup final that Grealish has ‘struggled this season’ and in February called for the winger to ‘demand’ more from himself, alongside a subtle hint that his off-field approach could improve.

Even the most ardent Grealish apologist must acknowledge this is one of the lowest points in his City career, after just one start in the final seven matches of the season and no minutes in the final four games. It’s even led to rumours that the Cityzen’s record signing could move on this summer.

But Guardiola has also previously spoken about the importance of Grealish in his team, especially on City’s run to the treble last year. “We trust a lot in him. We know his ability and he has to fight with his mates to play a lot and play as best as possible in every single action, every single minute, every single game. We need him,” Guardiola said earlier this season.

While statistically Grealish’s game may struggle, optically his influence on matches is undeniable. He’s so often pivotal to City’s build-up play, helps move the ball forward, draws defenders, creates space for others and wins countless free-kicks. There’s a level of selflessness and control when Grealish plays, in addition to his excellent work rate out of possession - the sort of contributions that don’t always carry weight statistically.

Nothing exemplifies this more than April’s win over Crystal Palace, when Grealish played a role in all four goals at Selhurst Park without actually scoring or assisting. “This is the Jack we know from last season,” was Guardiola’s post-match assessment, while the attacker himself hit back at critics.

“I feel I bring so much more to the team than just goals and assists,” he said after the game. “If you watch the game back, you’ll see I played well, it’s just a shame that everyone in the world now just loves stats.”

There were shades of that Palace display in Newcastle on Monday, although he did provide an assist on this occasion for Trent Alexander-Arnold. But it was the final England goal on the night that perhaps best sums up Grealish, with City’s no.10 playing a crucial role in the build-up to Harry Kane’s 63rd international strike.

Having drawn two players towards him, Grealish slipped the ball into James Maddison, who had taken up a dangerous position in the box. He fired it across the goal and, after a bit of pinball, eventually Kane smashed it beyond the Bosnia keeper Nikola Vasilj. Four players touched the ball after Grealish, but it was the Solihull star’s defence-splitting pass that created the goal.

More than that, it was an encouraging display from a man who may feel he has something to prove. He also teed up Maddison and Kane for separate shooting opportunities, provided several jinking runs inside and in the 83rd minute was fouled after an outstanding touch and sharp turn. Not bad for a half-an-hour run about.

Few will dispute the ex-Villa skipper has to add more in terms of goals and assists - even he has admitted that - but if Southgate needed a little reminder of what Grealish offers, he got it on Monday night.  Even with the attacking options of Palmer, Eze, Phil Foden, Jarrod Bowen, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka, Southgate must find a spot in his 26 for Grealish, a player who provides an alternative to England’s other attacking options.

The Three Lions have no shortage of game-changers, but the importance of a wide forward who brings control and builds positive momentum should also not be overlooked.