In a recent statement, Thomas Tuchel emphasized that Jack Grealish remains a vital part of his plans for the England national team, while also advising him to be more mindful of his off-pitch behavior. The Manchester City player was excluded from Tuchel’s latest 26-man squad, having only participated in three substitute appearances throughout the current Premier League season.
Despite this, Tuchel indicated that he has had candid discussions with Grealish regarding his recent struggles and continues to hold him in high regard. “I appreciate Jack for his personality and talent. He possesses the courage to handle pressure, and he remains unfazed even in challenging situations,” Tuchel remarked.
Tuchel highlighted Grealish’s potential impact within the squad, citing his ability to enhance team dynamics, especially for younger players. “While Jack hasn’t found his rhythm lately, he knows it himself. With more game time, he only improves. His character can provide the vital cohesion we need.”
When pressed about recent reports of Grealish socializing in East Manchester, Tuchel acknowledged that while it’s not ideal for a player to be in the public eye, he understands the nature of fame. “It’s not solely his fault. In today’s world, everyone carries a camera, and we want him to maintain a calmer presence,” Tuchel explained. “However, this does not influence my decision to not select him.”
Additionally, Tuchel plans to visit Saudi Arabia soon to observe Ivan Toney play live, as the striker remains an important consideration for future England selections. The coach confirmed that Ollie Watkins was absent from the squad due to a minor knee injury, and emphasized the intense competition for the position of Harry Kane’s understudy, mentioning Toney and Dominic Solanke as strong contenders.
Tuchel clarified that the decision to overlook Solanke was strictly a sporting one, based on the evidence gathered from live matches. “With Watkins’ injury hindering him, it made sense to make a different choice for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia,” he stated.
