Thomas Tuchel Faces Criticism for Excluding Jack Grealish from England Squad

Thomas Tuchel has come under scrutiny for leaving Jack Grealish out of the England squad, despite the midfielder’s impressive performance since joining Everton on loan from Manchester City. Grealish moved to Everton in the summer, where he quickly adapted and was named Premier League Player of the Month for August 2023. His early success has sparked discussions around a potential permanent transfer to Everton.

Tuchel, the head coach of England, has been criticized for his decision-making, particularly after the national team’s 3-0 victory against Wales on October 12, 2023. In the aftermath of the match, Ben Foster, a former Manchester United goalkeeper, expressed doubts about Grealish’s chances of making the squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which will take place in America, Mexico, and Canada next summer.

Despite Grealish’s standout performances at Everton, Tuchel opted to exclude him from the roster for matches against both Wales and Latvia. After the Wales game, Tuchel criticized the atmosphere at Wembley Stadium, describing the crowd as “silent,” a statement that did not sit well with many fans and commentators.

Criticism from Fans and Journalists

Journalist Andy Dunn, writing for the Sunday People, highlighted the missed opportunity for Grealish to contribute to the match. He noted, “During what was clearly going to be a comfortable England win, what might have helped the Wembley atmosphere was a box-office name putting in a box-office performance.” Dunn pointed out that Tuchel’s decision to leave out marquee players like Grealish and fellow talents Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden led to a lackluster experience for fans.

While the Three Lions secured a comfortable victory, supporters expressed their desire for Grealish’s inclusion, emphasizing his ability to make an impact on the pitch. The ex-Aston Villa star has long been a fan favorite, known for his flair and creativity. Although Tuchel had valid reasons for dropping Grealish following a poor run at Manchester City, his impressive performance at Everton raises questions about future squad selections.

Looking Ahead

If Grealish continues to excel at Everton, he may force Tuchel to reconsider his stance ahead of crucial upcoming matches. David Moyes, Everton’s manager, is confident in his ability to harness Grealish’s talents, which could benefit both club and country. As the World Cup approaches, Tuchel’s decisions regarding player selection will be under intense scrutiny. The pressure is mounting for the England coach to balance team dynamics with fan expectations, particularly as they look towards the tournament.

The debate surrounding Grealish’s exclusion underscores the challenges faced by national team managers, who must navigate not only tactical considerations but also the sentiments of supporters. With strong performances from Grealish and hopes for a permanent deal at Everton, the coming weeks will be pivotal for both the player and Tuchel’s reputation as England’s head coach.