Well, the build up has been a little bit out of the norm with varying issues being raised in the press, but the 2022 winter World Cup out in Qatar kicks off on Sunday afternoon, but most fans will be eagerly awaiting Gareth Southgate and England’s opening clash with Iran on Monday.
Having had a pretty disastrous Nations League campaign as England prepared for the World Cup, everyone wants to know whether or not we will hit the ground running and bookmakers across the country will be prepared for a raft of last minute bets once the team news is known and the plethora of in game odds and options now available to those who like a flutter.
One player who will feature in that is Jack Grealish and what kind of tournament he will have. Southgate did not seem to trust him whilst at Aston Villa (despite the player showing everyone what he was capable of) but having secured his £100 million move over the summer to Manchester City, Southgate has warmed to him more in spite of the fact he is yet to recreate his former form given how Pep Guardiola prefers to play.
It could be a huge tournament for the 27 year old though given the space he will likely find in the Group games in particular, and he has already shown he can have an impact at this level, however, former Manchester City and England defender Micah Richards still feels that Southgate has a strange hang up on the talent actually featuring from the start.
“I knew he would be in the squad but I don’t think he is anywhere near starting. He has played well but has not been amazing for City. His numbers will count against him. I don’t always look at numbers – I watch the game – but look at what (Leicester midfielder) James Maddison is doing. He is making and scoring goals. Sometimes you can’t ignore numbers and form in the lead up to a tournament.”
Having undoubtedly been the main man at Villa Park and having featured in almost every attack they had during games, Grealish has without doubt struggled under Guardiola’s system at the Etihad Stadium and 13 City appearances in the 2022/23 campaign have only seen the return of one goal and two assists. Arguably his form for England actually gives a better return in more recent times, but whether that is enough for the former Middlesbrough gaffer to give him a chance to shine remains hugely in doubt.
“Jack is very good at being involved in the game and drawing fouls and starting attacks off, but needs to do more. If you look at who scores for England, it is not that many people who get the goals. Someone like Maddison could do that, but Jack still has to have more end product.”
Grealish’s biggest supporters would argue that if he was played more he would naturally give a better return, but Rio Ferdinand feels Southgate’s own style of play is also counter productive to Jack’s natural assets stating he “needs to be able to roam”.
“I’m not sure England let him do that. The best Jack Grealish is the one who has a bit of freedom. At international level you need those players like him who have that imagination and ability to unlock teams. He could be vital in that.”
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about England
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
