England manager Thomas Tuchel has ignited speculation about a potential international recall for Jack Grealish after being seen in a deep, post-match conversation with the winger.
The encounter occurred on Monday evening following Everton's 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford, where Tuchel was watching from the stands alongside Three Lions assistant coach Anthony Barry.
A Pivotal Post-Match Discussion
After the final whistle, Tuchel sought out the Everton loanee, putting an arm around Grealish before the pair shared an extended conversation and a handshake away from the tunnel area. The England boss was even seen sharing a laugh with the 30-year-old, in what appeared to be a warm and positive exchange.
This interaction is particularly significant given Grealish's status as a current England outcast. His last appearance for the national team was in October 2024 against Finland, just three days before Tuchel's appointment. Despite a fine run of form under interim boss Lee Carsley, where he scored twice in three Nations League games, Grealish has been out of contention under the German manager.
Grealish's Club Form Revival
The former Aston Villa captain has been rejuvenating his career since a loan switch to Everton from Manchester City. Under the management of David Moyes, Grealish has registered one goal and four assists in 11 Premier League appearances.
Moyes has been effusive in his praise, stating that the winger is 'even better than I thought he was'. This resurgence in form appears to have caught the attention of the England setup, with the Old Trafford meeting suggesting a potential pathway back into the squad ahead of next summer's World Cup.
Garner Also in the Frame
Tuchel did not only speak with Grealish. He was also seen in a warm interaction with Everton midfielder James Garner, sharing a chat and a handshake with the 24-year-old.
Garner, who was part of England's Under-21 Championship winning campaign, has been in fine form for the Toffees. His club manager David Moyes has publicly touted him for a senior call-up, suggesting his performances warrant consideration alongside other emerging English midfield talents like Bournemouth's Alex Scott.
However, Garner faces stiff competition in a crowded area of the pitch, with talents like Elliott Anderson and Adam Wharton also emerging.
For Grealish, the conversation with Tuchel represents a significant opportunity. Having only played cameo minutes in England's 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar before being knocked out by France, and subsequently being left out of the Euro 2024 squad, a recall would mark a dramatic turnaround for the former Britain's most expensive footballer.
