Jack Grealish Faces ‘Fight on His Hands’ for England Role, Says Former Aston Villa Boss Paul Lambert
Jack Grealish, the 30-year-old Everton loanee and former Aston Villa captain, is enjoying a career resurgence at Goodison Park, but his former manager Paul Lambert warns he has a “fight on his hands” to reclaim a spot in England’s national team for the 2026 World Cup. Lambert, who gave Grealish his Premier League debut in 2014 at 18, spoke to *Betway* on October 21, 2025, praising the winger’s revitalized form under Everton boss David Moyes but emphasizing the fierce competition from stars like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. Grealish, who has 39 caps but hasn’t played for England since a 3-1 Nations League win over Finland in October 2024, missed Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad for October’s friendlies against Wales and Latvia. Despite a standout start at Everton—five goal involvements (one goal, four assists) in seven Premier League games—Lambert believes Grealish’s path back to the Three Lions is steep but achievable if he maintains his current trajectory.
Grealish’s Rejuvenation at Everton: A New Lease on Life
Grealish’s £100 million move from Aston Villa to Manchester City in 2021 brought a Premier League title and a 2022-23 continental treble, but his role dwindled, starting just seven Premier League games in 2024-25 and missing England’s Euro 2024 squad. His August 2025 loan to Everton has been a game-changer. Under Moyes, Grealish has thrived with freedom on the left wing, scoring a 93rd-minute winner against Crystal Palace and assisting four times, including both goals in a 2-0 win over Brighton. “Everton has given him that freshness again,” Lambert told *Betway*. “Moyes has probably put his arm around him and said, ‘Go play and do your stuff.’” Grealish himself admitted to *Sky Sports* on September 28: “I’m at my best when I feel loved… Moyes says, ‘When you get the ball, do what you want.’” His stats—17 chances created, 556 minutes in seven games—reflect a return to the flair that defined his Villa days.[]
The England Challenge: Bellingham, Foden, and Tuchel’s Vision
Lambert highlighted England’s depth as Grealish’s biggest hurdle: “If you look at Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Grealish, taking them on top of what they already have, gives them one hell of a strong squad. But he’s playing well enough to force his way back in.” England’s midfield is stacked—Bellingham (Real Madrid) and Foden (Manchester City) are near-automatic selections, with Cole Palmer (Chelsea) and Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace) also vying for spots. Grealish’s last England goal came in October 2024, but his exclusion from Tuchel’s October 2025 squad, despite being August’s Premier League Player of the Month, stung. Tuchel, however, left the door open: “There is always a way back into the camp,” he said on October 3. Wayne Rooney, commenting on Grealish’s Palace goal, told *BBC Sport*: “If Jack keeps doing that, he’ll be giving Tuchel a headache.”
Grealish’s 2025-26 Everton stats outshine his final City season:
– **Everton (7 games)**: 1 goal, 4 assists, 17 chances created, 10 shots.
– **City (2024-25, 20 games)**: 0 goals, 1 assist, 7 starts.
Why the Fight? Tactical Fit and Past Struggles
Grealish’s City tenure saw his flair curbed by Pep Guardiola’s rigid system, with his expected assists (xA) per 90 minutes staying consistent (fifth-highest in 2021-22) but actual assists dropping due to teammates’ misses. At Everton, Moyes’ 4-4-2 mid-block allows Grealish to exploit transitions, reminiscent of his Villa role where he captained the side to 2019 promotion. Lambert, who managed Villa from 2012-15, recalled Grealish’s raw talent: “When I had Jack, he was only a kid… I’d bring him up to train with the first team, then back with the kids because of physicality.” Off-field issues, like Grealish’s admitted partying excesses at City, also hurt his case, but he told *Sky Sports*: “Sometimes I didn’t help myself, but I’m finding balance now.”
The Road to 2026: Can Grealish Make It?
With 249 days until the 2026 World Cup, Grealish’s immediate challenge is sustaining form at Everton, where he’s ineligible to face City on October 18 due to loan rules. His next chance for England is November’s Nations League matches, with Tuchel prioritizing in-form players. “Jack’s done great,” Moyes said post-Palace. “I’m pushing him for goals.” Fans on X under #GrealishForEngland are vocal: “Jack’s back to his Villa best—Tuchel’s sleeping on him!” (120k likes). Lambert’s verdict: “He’s playing well enough to force his way back in.”[](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cpd9701jnylo)
Grealish’s fight isn’t just form—it’s outshining England’s golden generation. His flair, now unshackled, could light up the Three Lions—if Tuchel buys in. The lad’s back; the battle’s on.
