Gascoigne Confident Grealish Will Join England World Cup Squad

Former England international Paul Gascoigne has expressed strong confidence that Jack Grealish will secure a spot in Thomas Tuchel‘s England squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America. The announcement follows a challenging match for Everton, where goalkeeper Jordan Pickford faced criticism after a costly error contributed to a 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

During the match, Pickford failed to save a strike from Lewis Miley, allowing Newcastle to extend their lead to 2-0. This moment of misjudgment came as the only player from David Moyes‘ Everton team to represent England during the recent international break.

Grealish, who joined Everton on loan from Manchester City this season, has been performing impressively, contributing significantly to the team’s offensive play. With five goal contributions in the Premier League this season, he has formed effective partnerships with teammates such as Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Gascoigne’s Endorsement of Grealish

Speaking to FourFourTwo, Gascoigne, who also had a stint at Everton, was enthusiastic about Grealish’s potential inclusion in the national squad. He stated, “Definitely. I think he’ll make it. I can’t see him not going, because he’s always going to be a threat. It doesn’t matter if he loses the ball, he always wants it again.”

Gascoigne’s comments reflect a broader sentiment regarding Grealish’s abilities and impact on the pitch. The former player’s belief underscores the winger’s resilience and determination, qualities essential for competing at the highest level.

Despite these strong endorsements, Grealish still faces significant competition for a place in the England squad. Thomas Tuchel has indicated a preference for maintaining a cohesive team dynamic, selecting players like Eberechi Eze, Marcus Rashford, and Anthony Gordon over Grealish in recent selections.

Challenges Ahead for Grealish

While Grealish has demonstrated considerable skill and form since his move to Everton, the path to the national team remains fraught with challenges. He joined Everton with the intention of revitalising his career after a period of underwhelming performances at Manchester City. Although he has shown signs of returning to form under Moyes, the competition for places in the squad is fierce.

If Grealish can maintain his current level of performance and possibly elevate it further as the season progresses, he could enhance his chances of being part of the World Cup roster. However, if he does not impress significantly by the end of the season, he may find himself waiting for another opportunity to rejoin the England fold.

As the football world anticipates the 2026 World Cup, the spotlight remains on players like Grealish, whose journey exemplifies the highs and lows of professional sports. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can translate his current form into a spot on the national team.