Rooney Snubs Grealish for England’s World Cup Squad

Former England and Manchester United legend, Wayne Rooney, has delivered a stark assessment of Jack Grealish’s chances of making the 2026 World Cup squad under manager Thomas Tuchel, bluntly suggesting the midfielder should already be planning his summer holiday. Rooney’s comments followed England’s comfortable 2-0 victory over Serbia on Thursday evening at Wembley.

The victory for the Three Lions was secured by goals from two Nigerian-born stars, Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka, highlighting the depth of talent currently available to Tuchel. However, the absence of Grealish, even as the squad continues to evolve, was a major talking point for the former international striker.

Despite finding a renewed burst of form this season while on loan at Everton, Grealish has not featured in an England shirt since Tuchel took the helm. Rooney believes this sustained omission is a clear indicator that the midfielder’s time with the national team under the current manager has effectively ended.

Speaking candidly on The Wayne Rooney Show, Rooney did not mince words regarding Grealish’s prospects. “Jack Grealish may as well book his holiday for the summer now because he’s not getting in the squad,” Rooney declared. He pointed to the fact that Grealish was overlooked even when another key player, Andy Gordon, was withdrawn from the squad. “You think Andy Gordon dropped out and he still doesn’t get called into it, so I think Thomas Tuchel is quite set,” he observed, concluding that the manager’s mind appears to be made up.

Rooney also touched upon the management of star players during international breaks, suggesting that certain key figures, like captain Harry Kane, should have been rested entirely. “I think this international break was the perfect opportunity just to say to Harry Kane, ‘Go and have a week’s holiday.’ He doesn’t need to be there,” Rooney added, advocating for a more judicious use of senior players outside of major tournament cycles.

Rooney’s strong views highlight the intense competition for places in the current England squad, suggesting that no amount of club form may be enough for Grealish to force his way back into Tuchel’s World Cup plans.