Wayne Rooney, one of England’s most iconic former players, has issued a stark and candid message to Jack Grealish: forget about making the next England World Cup squad. In his assessment, Grealish’s chances of playing in the 2026 tournament are so slim that Rooney says he might as well go ahead and “book his holiday for the summer.”
This blunt take comes via Rooney’s own platform, The Wayne Rooney Show, where he didn’t mince words. Despite Grealish’s move to Everton and a recent resurgence in form, Rooney believes that Thomas Tuchel — the England manager — has all but ruled him out of contention.
Form vs. Favor: Why Grealish’s Recent Performances Might Not Be Enough
Grealish’s performances at Everton have sparked some optimism. On loan from Manchester City, he’s showing glimpses of the creativity and attacking flair that once made him a fixture in the national conversation. Yet, according to Rooney, these flashes of quality may not matter if Tuchel has already made his decisions.
Rooney pointed to a recent England squad selection as proof: when Anthony Gordon was dropped due to injury, Grealish was not called up. For Rooney, that omission is a signal that Tuchel’s mind may already be made up. The former England captain argued that if Grealish were really under consideration, he would have received a recall under those circumstances.
That, in Rooney’s view, suggests a lack of trust from the national team setup — not a failure in Grealish’s recent club performances.
Competition Is Fierce
One of the key reasons Rooney is so doubtful about Grealish’s World Cup chances lies in the depth of England’s attacking options. Tuchel’s squad will likely face difficult choices, and according to Rooney, other players may simply be ahead of Grealish in the pecking order.
Players like Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and possibly emerging talents could limit Grealish’s opportunities. For Rooney, even though Grealish has quality, he doesn’t clearly offer something uniquely compelling enough to force his way onto the plane — especially at 30, an age where many players need to demonstrate urgency and consistency.
Tuchel’s Calculated Decision?
Rooney isn’t just criticizing: he’s analyzing what he believes is Tuchel’s mindset. By avoiding a risky call-up for Grealish, Rooney argues the England manager may be showing long-term planning or simply sticking with more trusted squad members. He said that coaches under pressure — especially in major tournaments — tend to rely on players they’ve worked with more, rather than gamble on someone who hasn’t yet proven they can perform consistently under the national team’s specific demands.
Moreover, Rooney implied this international break was the perfect opportunity for Tuchel to assess backup options, particularly given how demanding a World Cup schedule can be. Yet, Tuchel’s omission of Grealish during that window, according to Rooney, speaks volumes about his intentions and how he views Grealish’s role, if any, for next summer.
More Than Personal: The Public Weight of the Omission
This is not just a footballing critique — there’s emotional and symbolic weight to Rooney’s words. Grealish once cited Rooney as an inspiration and even chose his Everton shirt number (18) in homage to him and Paul Gascoigne. Rooney’s straight talk, then, carries more than professional critique — it comes from someone who once supported Grealish’s ambitions.
For Grealish, hearing such a confident dismissal from a figure he respects may feel particularly stinging. It raises questions about not just his form, but how much faith others place in his potential to impact the national team at a tournament level.
What Grealish Needs to Prove — and Whether Time Is Running Out
If Grealish is to defy Rooney’s prediction, the road ahead is clear but narrow. He’ll need to deliver exceptional, sustained performances at Everton, not just glimpses of brilliance. And even then, he must hope Tuchel is open to revisiting his selection strategy.
Rooney’s comments may also add pressure. To counter them, Grealish must showcase not only individual quality but the kind of tactical and mental maturity that convinces Tuchel he deserves a spot. For Rooney, the question isn’t just whether Grealish can play, but whether he will be chosen — and that, in his view, is unlikely without a dramatic shift.
Bigger Picture: England’s Squad Strategy and World Cup Ambitions
Rooney’s assessment provides an interesting window into what many observers believe is happening behind the scenes: a England squad being built with youth, reliability, and form in mind. It suggests that Tuchel might prioritize consistency and recent performance over name value or past reputation.
If that is indeed the strategy, Grealish’s omission could be seen as part of a broader tactical vision: a squad that blends experience with players who are “on it” right now, rather than those who once were. For many fans and insiders, the 2026 lineup could reflect a shift away from nostalgia and toward forward-looking pragmatism.
What Happens Next for Grealish
In light of Rooney’s comments, Grealish faces a crossroads. He can respond publicly — through performance, interviews, or social media — or he can let his football do the talking. Either way, the next few months are likely to be critical if he hopes to push for a spot in Tuchel’s World Cup squad.
- On the pitch: Consistent, top-level performances at Everton are essential.
- Off the pitch: He may need to articulate his case, showing his understanding of Tuchel’s philosophy and how he fits into it.
- In public: Managing expectations and criticism will be just as important; he’ll need to stay mentally strong amid speculation.
Final Take: Underdog or Overdue Chance?
Wayne Rooney’s verdict is unflinching: he doesn’t believe Jack Grealish will make it to the next England World Cup. But in football, predictions are not guarantees. Grealish has the talent — that’s undisputed — but what Rooney questions is whether that talent is timed right to align with England’s plans.
Whether Rooney is being brutally honest or simply playing devil’s advocate, his words will undoubtedly fuel debate. Grealish now has a tangible challenge: convert the talk into performance, and convince not just fans, but his own country, that he deserves to go to the biggest stage of all.
Sources:
- Sky Sports (Sky Sports)
- Give Me Sport (GiveMeSport)
- Football365 (Football365)
- Goodison News (Goodison News)
- The Standard (standard.co.uk)
- Independent (independent.co.uk)