Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, like many club managers, isn’t the biggest fan of international breaks. However, even he must have been relieved to see Jack Grealish’s smooth return to the England squad under new interim manager Lee Carsley. After missing out on EURO 2024, Grealish was recalled and made an immediate impact, slotting back into the starting XI and scoring in England’s 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League.
Grealish’s performance certainly impressed, particularly former Ireland captain and ITV pundit Roy Keane, who continued to praise the 29-year-old after England’s 2-0 victory over Finland.
Keane remarked on ITV, “[The] Biggest thing for Jack is, I definitely think he needs to play regularly at Man City and that’s obviously difficult, the challenges there. I think he needs to be sharp. When he’s not playing regularly he does lose that sharpness very quickly. So it’s key he gets games at City.”
Keane emphasized the importance of regular club football, saying, “Usually when you’re doing well at club level, you’re selected for your international team. So your bread and butter is what you do week-in, week-out at club level, particularly for players like Jack.”
After a difficult summer that saw him left out of the national squad, Grealish’s return is a statement. But Keane noted, “Looking forward, he has to play a lot more regularly for City.”
This challenge is particularly significant for City’s £100 million man, who had a tough start to his career at the Etihad but later shined during City’s treble-winning 2022/23 season. However, injuries and inconsistency last season saw him lose his spot in the England squad. Now, with a renewed focus, Grealish seems determined to prove himself.
ITV pundit Ian Wright echoed Keane’s thoughts, stating, “I’d like to see him playing like he used to play because if he can get back to that Aston Villa Jack then there’s no way anyone can keep him out of that team.”
Grealish’s exceptional talent at Aston Villa was what convinced Guardiola to spend a club-record transfer fee on him. Now, entering his fourth season at City, the platform is set for him to truly make his mark consistently for both club and country.
Having started in City’s 3-1 victory over West Ham, Grealish will be hoping his impressive international displays will earn him another starting spot when City face Brentford this Saturday. With three years left on his contract, this season represents a key opportunity for Grealish to cement his place in Guardiola’s plans.
If he can maintain the form he showed on international duty, there’s no reason for Grealish to ever worry about his England place again, a development that would only benefit City moving forward.
In the meantime, City’s ambitions on the European stage remain high. With Guardiola, Kevin De Bruyne, and the rest of the squad eyeing another Champions League triumph, Grealish could play a pivotal role in their quest for continental glory.
