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A Heroic Late Moment at Goodison Park

The final whistle had barely sounded on Everton’s thrilling late victory over Crystal Palace when the club’s X (formerly Twitter) bio cheekily changed to three simple words: Grealish for England.

It was a fitting tribute to Jack Grealish, whose 93rd-minute winner capped off a remarkable individual performance and reignited calls for his return to the national squad.

It’s been almost a year since Grealish last represented the Three Lions, coming in a 3-1 Nations League win over Finland under interim boss Lee Carsley. With Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad omitting him again — for upcoming matches against Wales and Latvia — the 30-year-old winger knows his road back remains a challenge.

But one thing is certain: Grealish is doing everything in his power to earn his place back on the plane to next summer’s World Cup.

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Making His Mark at Everton

Since joining Everton on loan from Manchester City, Grealish has found his rhythm again, contributing four assists in six Premier League games before his dramatic winner against Palace.

After Dean Henderson denied Beto from close range, Grealish was perfectly positioned to tap home the rebound in the 93rd minute, sending Goodison Park into raptures.

The goal, clocked at 92 minutes and 21 seconds, marked Everton’s latest home Premier League winning strike since March 2022 — another dramatic finish that etched Grealish’s name into Toffees folklore.

Speaking to Sky Sports afterwards, Grealish revealed:

“Do you know what’s mad? The last few games here I’ve said to myself in the 85th minute, ‘Come on Jack, go and score.’ I said it against Aston Villa, against West Ham, and I didn’t score. Today I said it again — and I did. I ran straight to where my mum and dad were, so it was special.”

Building Consistency and Fitness

The Palace match marked Grealish’s sixth consecutive Premier League start — his longest run of starts in over two years.

He’ll now enjoy a three-week break from club football, missing Everton’s clash with his parent club Manchester City after the international window.

With 249 days until the World Cup begins, the question on many fans’ minds is whether Grealish can maintain this form and force his way back into Tuchel’s plans.

Grealish: ‘It’s Not That Deep’

Despite the attention surrounding his England omission, Grealish insists he’s not losing sleep over it.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the Palace win, he said:

“You know what? I don’t think it’s as deep as everyone says. Of course, you want to play for your country, but the players picked last month did really well, so that’s fine with me. That’s the manager’s decision and I respect that.”

The winger emphasised his focus on club football, adding:

“I’m focused on playing for Everton because they’re the ones who put their trust in me and believed in me. I’m really enjoying it here.”

Rooney: ‘He’s Giving Tuchel a Headache’

Former England captain Wayne Rooney believes Grealish’s resurgence is putting pressure on Tuchel.

“All Jack can do is keep doing what he’s doing,” Rooney told BBC Sport. “He’s scoring goals and creating chances. If he keeps that up, he’ll be in the mix for the summer. His talent will always shine through, and he’s definitely giving the England manager a headache.”

Rooney, who earned 120 England caps and scored 53 goals, knows better than most what it takes to fight back into the national setup — and sees similarities in Grealish’s determination.

Tuchel Keeps the Door Open

While Grealish wasn’t selected this time, Thomas Tuchel has made clear that the winger remains in his thinking for next summer’s tournament.

“There is always a way back into the camp,” Tuchel said on Friday. “Jack knows I see how influential he’s been for Everton. He’s on his way to being the best version of himself again.”

Grealish’s stats back up Tuchel’s words. In just seven league appearances for the Toffees, he’s logged 556 minutes, contributed five goal involvements, created 17 chances, and taken 10 shots — impressive numbers for a player rebuilding confidence and sharpness.

Moyes Praises Grealish’s Last Minute Winner

Everton manager David Moyes was full of praise for Grealish’s contribution following the win — the club’s first since August.

“Jack’s done great again,” said Moyes. “I’ve been pushing him to score more goals. He’s Johnny-on-the-spot. The cross from Iliman Ndiaye was incredible, Beto should have finished it, but Jack was there to make it count.”

Moyes also revealed that Grealish had been managing a minor injury, saying:

“He’s had to miss the odd day of training, but he’s been doing a lot of good things for us.”

Eyes on the World Cup

For now, Grealish’s focus is squarely on maintaining his form for Everton, but his impact at club level is becoming impossible to ignore.

If he continues at this pace — combining work rate, creativity, and leadership — Thomas Tuchel may find it increasingly difficult to overlook him when the World Cup squad is finalised.

As Rooney put it: “If Jack plays, his talent will show.”

Everton fans, England fans, and perhaps even Tuchel himself will be hoping that the Jack Grealish revival has only just begun.

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