Grealish has previously made it clear he wants to return to the England squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup; Tuchel says he “needs minutes and minutes”
England manager Thomas Tuchel has issued a clear warning to Jack Grealish that he needs to play regularly or risk missing out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra, Tuchel said: “He needs to make himself available by playing. I think one of his key strengths is to go every three days and get better and better with every minute that he has in his legs. That’s what is missing, nothing else.”
This comes as the Manchester City winger, who endured a difficult 2024-25 campaign, is expected to be omitted from City’s squad for the upcoming Club World Cup, further casting doubt on his future at the Etihad.
Sources familiar with the club’s plans for the tournament told Sky Sports News that Grealish would not be included in the Manchester City team. He has been given the summer off to enable him rest and avoid injuries, most likely so that he can more easily find a new club before next season begins.
Grealish, now 29 years old, started only seven Premier League matches last season, struggling to find either form or fitness in a side that finished trophyless. His limited minutes have led to speculation that he could be offloaded this summer as Pep Guardiola reshapes his squad.
Speaking about Grealish at the end of the season, Guardiola said: “Of course, Jack has to play. Jack is an unbelievable player who has to play football every single day, every three days. It didn’t happen this season and last season neither. He needs to do it with us or in another place.”
It is currently unclear whether Grealish has intentions of leaving Manchester City. He still has two years left on his contract and other clubs might balk at his £300,000-a-week salary.
Tuchel was full of praise for Grealish’s talent and mentality, calling him a “unique player” who “grows in big matches”, but made it clear that admiration alone won’t secure a national team spot.
“I love Jack for his personality and of course his talent … but he’s a player who needs minutes and minutes and minutes and simply does not get them for a very long time,” said Tuchel. “That’s basically everything. Nothing has changed.”
