Sherwood: Grealish in the same company as Gazza

Jack Grealish continues to lose out on an England call-up but former manager Tim Sherwood wants him to know he is in elite company.

Gareth Southgate’s England squad selection for friendlies against Iceland and Denmark have raised eyebrows. Harry Maguire was called up despite legal troubles in Greece while Jack Grealish waits in the wings.

Southgate recognized Kalvin Phillips work at Leeds United and called him to the England team. Philips does not have Premier League experience under his belt, the explanation Grealish was given twelve months ago.

Grealish has taken the snub to hear and subtly questioned his continuous absence. While an answer from Southgate will come in time, Tim Sherwood has asked him to bide his time.

Sherwood managed Grealish at the start of his career and admitted he felt bad for the hardworking attacker. However, he advised him to continue giving good performances and his time will come.

The former Blackburn captain hailed him as a great talent and put him in the same bracket as England legend, Paul Gascoigne.

“I’m gutted for Jack but he shouldn’t be being compared with Phillips,” the Daily Star quoted Time Sherwood.

“Jack’s been unfortunate because Gareth can’t pick everyone. He says Jack’s unfortunate because of the likes of Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling.”

“But he’s more in the bracket of Phil Foden and Mason Mount. They’re the two he should be being compared with.”

“Jack just needs to stick with it. He is the nearest thing to Gazza I’ve seen. Gazza is the most difficult opponent I ever played against. Jack has that same outstanding ability and audacity with the ball.”

Grealish was the shining light for Aston Villa in the 2019/20 season. The all action midfielder has been linked with a move away from Villa Park, with Manchester United leading the race for his signature.