Aston Villa old-boys back Jack Grealish to get England chance
Former Villa duo Steve Froggatt and Tony Daley have stressed that Jack Grealish’s time at international level will come.
Villa Park skipper Grealish, 24, has continuously been snubbed on the international stage by England boss Gareth Southgate despite impressive form back at Premier League level.
But wingers Froggatt – who received an England call-up but did not feature due to injury – and Daley, who won seven caps, insist there is plenty of time for Grealish to prove himself ready for the Three Lions.
“Gareth’s obviously got a team and format he wants to stick with and he knows what he wants in certain areas,” ex-Villa and Wolves man Froggatt told the Express & Star.
“He’s obviously seen a lot of Jack. I think Jack’s time will come, just not now. I think you have to trust the manager and staff that they’ll bring him in when the time is right.
“You forget Jack has only just come in the Premier League, spent most of his time in the Championship, was injured a bit last season, I still think he has a lot to prove in the Premier League.
“He’s got to deliver throughout a campaign then he’ll earn the right. Once he eventually gets in he will play and be a star eventually.
“Local fans want to see players in, the other one is Conor Coady.
“We’d all make great managers, but there’s only one England manager and he has to make tough choices.”
Birmingham-born Grealish also qualifies for the Republic of Ireland, who he represented at youth level throughout his teens before deciding on England in 2015.
But despite already racking up more than 150 league appearances, Grealish has remained omitted from England senior ranks.
Daley believes the level of competition for places has made a call-up difficult for the midfield schemer.
He said: “Jack’s played quite a few positions. If you look at that number eight role, England have an array of players.
“He’s played for Dean Smith out wider and England have talented players there as well playing regular for their teams.
“He’s been unfortunate there’s a lot of young talent out there.
“Give it time to establish himself and Jack’s time will come.”
