Jack Grealish's future at Manchester City and his chances of representing England at the 2026 World Cup have come under scrutiny, with England manager Thomas Tuchel emphasizing the need for regular playing time. Grealish, who joined City from Aston Villa for a British record £100 million in 2021, has struggled to secure a consistent place in Pep Guardiola's starting lineup, leading to concerns about his form and rhythm.
Tuchel has expressed his admiration for Grealish's personality and talent, acknowledging his unique ability to handle pressure on the field. "I love Jack for his personality and of course his talent," Tuchel stated. "He is a very unique player who can handle big pressure on the field. He is never shy of pressure. It's the opposite. He grows in big matches." Despite his fondness for the player, Tuchel has made it clear that Grealish needs consistent minutes to reach his full potential and warrant consideration for the World Cup squad.
Grealish's lack of regular football has seen him drop down the pecking order at City, with limited Premier League starts this season. He has also lost his place in the England squad, missing out on selection for recent matches. Tuchel explained that Grealish is not a "start-stop player" and needs a consistent run of games to build momentum and influence matches effectively. "He's a player who needs minutes and minutes and minutes - and simply does not get them for a very long time," Tuchel noted.
The situation has led to speculation about Grealish's future at the Etihad Stadium. Reports suggest that Guardiola is considering leaving him out of the squad for the upcoming Club World Cup, further fueling doubts about his role at the club. With the World Cup on the horizon, Grealish faces a crucial decision regarding his career path.
Some observers believe that a fresh start elsewhere could be the best option for Grealish to revive his career and secure regular playing time. Didi Hamann, a former City player, has urged Grealish to seek a new club if he is serious about making Tuchel's World Cup squad. "I think he needs a change of scenery and also, looking ahead to the World Cup, if he wants to go to the World Cup in 2026, you only get so many chances as a player," Hamann said.
A return to his boyhood club, Aston Villa, has been suggested as a possible move for Grealish. Others say the door is closing on his City career. Unai Emery's evolving team could be a natural fit for Grealish, where he could regain his status as a key player.
Guardiola acknowledged Grealish's need for regular football, stating that he is an "unbelievable player that has to play football every three days." He added that it remains to be seen whether Grealish's high wages would be a barrier to any potential transfer.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Grealish himself. He must weigh his options and determine whether he can secure sufficient playing time at Manchester City or whether a move elsewhere is necessary to revitalize his career and fulfill his World Cup ambitions. Tuchel's message is clear: regular football is essential for Grealish to be in contention for a place in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup.
