Everton’s Bold Call-Out: Taking Aim at Tuchel Over Jack Grealish’s England Snub
Everton Football Club didn’t hold back after their loan star Jack Grealish was left out of England’s squad for the October 2025 international break, making their feelings crystal clear with a pointed social media jab at manager Thomas Tuchel. Following Grealish’s dramatic 93rd-minute winner in a 2-1 comeback victory over Crystal Palace on October 5 at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium, Everton updated their X bio to a succinct “Grealish for England,” a direct message to Tuchel after he overlooked the rejuvenated winger for matches against Wales (friendly) and Latvia (World Cup qualifier). The snub, which also excluded high-profile names like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Adam Wharton, has sparked heated debate, with Everton’s public stance amplifying the clamor for Grealish’s return to the Three Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The Snub and Everton’s Response: A Social Media Statement
Grealish, 30, has been a revelation since joining Everton on loan from Manchester City in the summer, racking up one goal and four assists in seven Premier League games, earning the league’s Player of the Month award for August. His heroics against Palace—where he deflected a clearance off Daniel Munoz for the stoppage-time winner—earned him Player of the Match honors, yet Tuchel opted to stick with the same squad from September’s camp, citing “continuity” despite Grealish’s scintillating form. Everton’s response was immediate: Moments after referee Michael Salisbury’s full-time whistle, the club’s X account bio changed to “Grealish for England,” a move that went viral with over 50,000 engagements under #GrealishForEngland. They doubled down by retweeting a graphic highlighting Grealish’s league-leading 19 key passes, underscoring his creative dominance.
The club’s cheeky dig resonated with fans, who flooded X with support: “Everton’s admin is all of us—Grealish is cooking, Tuchel’s sleeping!” one post read, amassing 12k likes. Another quipped: “Tuchel’s squad: No Grealish, no Bellingham, no Foden. Is he picking names from a hat?” Everton manager David Moyes, while diplomatic, subtly backed the sentiment: “Jack’s doing everything right—goals, assists, leadership. He’s a joy to have.”
Grealish’s Reaction: Respectful but Determined
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the Palace clash, Grealish revealed he’d had a direct conversation with Tuchel about the omission. “I spoke to the manager, and I understand there’s a lot of competition, especially on the left wing—Rashy [Marcus Rashford], [Eberechi] Eze, Anthony Gordon, everyone’s doing so well,” he told former teammate Micah Richards. “You want to play for England, but I’m focused on Everton because they put their trust in me. I respect the manager’s decision.” Post-match, he dedicated his goal to Evertonians, saying: “I ran to where my mum and dad were—it’s for the fans who’ve made me feel so welcome.”
Despite his calm tone, Grealish’s hunger for a recall is clear. His last England appearance was a 3-1 Nations League win over Finland in October 2024 under interim boss Lee Carsley, and with 39 caps and four goals, he’s desperate to shine at the 2026 World Cup—likely his final shot at a major international stage. “I’m doing well, but others are too,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live. “I’ll keep pushing.”
Tuchel’s Reasoning: Continuity Over Form?
Tuchel, speaking at St. George’s Park on October 3, defended his selections, emphasizing loyalty to September’s squad that delivered a 5-0 rout of Serbia. “For this camp, we wanted to make it a straightforward decision and stay with the same group,” he said. “Jack is very close to being the best version of himself—a very special player. There is always a way back into the camp.” Yet, his decision to prioritize players like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, and Morgan Rogers over Grealish, who leads the Premier League in key passes and chance creation, has drawn scrutiny. Wayne Rooney, England’s record goalscorer, told BBC Sport: “Jack’s giving Tuchel a headache. If he keeps this up, he’ll be there for the World Cup.”
Critics argue Tuchel’s logic falters with only three international breaks left before the World Cup. Football365 outlined “six reasons” his snub is “nonsense,” citing Grealish’s league-leading metrics in key passes (19), chances created, and attacking-third touches. “He’s rediscovered the magic Pep [Guardiola] dulled at City,” the outlet noted, praising his “attack-first mindset” under Moyes.
Why It Matters: Grealish’s World Cup Hopes
Grealish’s exclusion is particularly stinging given his resurgence after a dip in form at Manchester City, where injuries and a crowded squad saw him start just seven Premier League games last season. His Everton loan—where he’s started six of seven matches—has restored the flair that made him a £100m talent, with 10 shots (five on target) in fewer minutes than at City. Tuchel’s praise (“I love Jack”) and acknowledgment of his “influential” form suggest a recall is possible, but with the World Cup eight months away, time is tight.
Everton’s call-out, backed by fans and pundits like Rooney, has turned Grealish’s snub into a national talking point. His Palace performance—capped by a selfless nod to Adam Wharton as the “best player on the pitch”—shows the character Tuchel values. As England face Wales on October 9 and Latvia on October 14, Grealish’s absence looms large. If he sustains this form, Tuchel may have no choice but to bow to the “Grealish for England” chorus—Everton’s admin included.
| Player | 2025/26 PL Stats | England Status | Key Metric |
|——–|——————|—————-|————|
| Jack Grealish | 1 goal, 4 assists, 19 key passes | Snubbed | League-leading key passes |
| Marcus Rashford | 3 goals, 2 assists | Selected | Left-wing starter |
| Anthony Gordon | 2 goals, 3 assists | Selected | Retained from September |
| Adam Wharton | 0 goals, 2 assists | Snubbed | Praised by Grealish post-match |
