Alan Shearer, the former Newcastle United striker, said on Friday that Jack Grealish's chances of playing for England have been sealed for a long time after the Everton winger missed a training session and was dropped by manager David Moyes.
The comments came after Everton confirmed Grealish would not feature in their upcoming home match against Coventry City following a breach of discipline that kept him out of the squad for the club's recent fixtures against Newcastle United.
What Triggered the Discipline Action?
Everton's official statement indicated that Grealish failed to attend a scheduled training session without permission. The club said the breach violated its internal code of conduct and that appropriate action was taken.
SunSport later reported that Grealish had spent two nights out in London and Cheshire in the days leading up to the disciplinary decision. The report did not specify whether the outings involved alcohol, but it suggested a pattern of off-field behaviour that conflicted with the club's expectations.
How Shearer Described Grealish's Behaviour
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer said Grealish is a "talented maverick" and compared his on-field flair to the late Paul Gascoigne, known as "Gazza". He added that Grealish shows a "Gazza stroke" - the ability to produce moments of brilliance - but also carries a "slightly Gazza mentality off the pitch".
Shearer called the winger a "loveable rogue" and said he knows what he needs to do to regain Moyes' trust. He stressed that if Grealish can return to the pitch and deliver "magic and pieces of brilliance", Everton could benefit as they try to climb the league table.
Shearer's Verdict on Grealish's England Future
Despite praising Grealish's talent, Shearer was blunt about the winger's international prospects. He said, "I think Grealish's England career was sealed a long time ago. There are too many others in his position who are playing well, so I don't expect him to win a recall to the England squad."
The former England striker added that the situation is "not a good look" for Grealish and urged him to focus on football rather than nightlife.
Everton's Current Situation and Grealish's Role
Grealish has made five appearances in all competitions for Everton this season. He arrived on loan from Manchester City after a successful spell with the Merseyside club last season, which was cut short by a serious injury.
Everton are currently mid-table and looking to improve their position with the remaining fixtures. The club's manager, David Moyes, has emphasized discipline and consistency as key factors for the team's progress.
Background: Grealish's Career Path
Jack Grealish began his senior career at Aston Villa, where he became a fan favourite for his dribbling and creativity. In 2021, Manchester City signed him for a British record fee of £100 million. While at City, Grealish won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.
Internationally, Grealish earned his first England cap in 2020 and was part of the squad that reached the Euro 2020 final. He has since been in and out of the national team, often competing with players such as Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and James Maddison for attacking midfield positions.
What the Discipline Rules Mean for Players
Premier League clubs typically have written codes of conduct that cover attendance, punctuality, alcohol consumption and social media behaviour. Breaches can result in fines, suspension from matchday squads or, in extreme cases, termination of contracts.
Everton's decision to exclude Grealish from the squad aligns with standard practice when a player misses a mandatory training session. The club's statement did not mention a financial penalty, but it is common for clubs to impose a fine in addition to match bans.
Potential Next Steps for Grealish
Grealish can still rebuild his standing by adhering to the club's expectations, completing any internal disciplinary measures and delivering strong performances when given a chance. Moyes has indicated that the door remains open for a return if the player shows commitment.
Should Grealish regain regular playing time, he may still attract interest from other clubs, but his market value is likely to be affected by recent off-field concerns.
Impact on Everton Fans and the Club's Season
Everton supporters have expressed mixed reactions on social media, with some defending Grealish's talent and others calling for stricter discipline. The club's performance this season hinges on maintaining a stable squad, and any further disruptions could hinder their push for a higher league finish.
For the broader football community, the episode highlights the ongoing debate about player conduct, the balance between personal freedom and professional responsibility, and how clubs manage high-profile talents.
While Grealish's England future appears bleak according to Shearer, his on-field abilities remain a valuable asset for Everton if he can align his behaviour with the club's standards.
