Jack Grealish, after experiencing his first major international tournament at last summer's Euros, has now ticked another box on his career goals list, as he's set to be part of a matchday squad with England at a World Cup.
The Manchester City attacker was always expected to be included in Gareth Southgate's squad for the tournament in Qatar, but his lack of goals and assists for Pep Guardiola's side this term did make some people question his inclusion in the group. However, having recorded two assists in five appearances at the European Championship last year, he has already demonstrated his worth in a Three Lions shirt.
Grealish has come in for criticism for his City record since his £100million transfer in 2021, as well as his performances, but Guardiola has always defended the 27-year-old, even claiming that he is not in the team to score or assist. While the Blues man is unlikely to be utilised as a starter throughout the World Cup in Qatar, it is important that he follows the advice his club manager offered him earlier in the campaign.
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Guardiola, speaking before the start of the Premier League season, suggested that Grealish had impressed him, but that the Englishman needed to 'fight' for his spot. The Spaniard also insisted that it was not necessary to tell players about what they needed to do prior to the World Cup.
"The most important thing is Jack Grealish won the Premier League, he helped us win the Premier League, he did it. We were close, had the two chances that were unlucky, football destiny is like this. What I wanted from Jack, more and more impressed is how he's incredibly loved in the locker room, he's so humble," Guardiola said in August.
"Of course I want more, not just for Jack but everyone. He has to fight, we have a small squad, competition up front is so big. At the end dictates every player, not just Jack, one minute on the field, show me. As much good you play, the more chances you play minutes.
"We are optimistic because he arrives really well, he has the World Cup around the corner. Gareth [Southgate] has to make a good selection, there are many good players in the England men's team. Everybody knows what they have to do, not necessary to tell them."
Fast-forward two months and Grealish had scored his first goal of the campaign against Wolves in the Premier League. It was not a goal typically associated with the former Aston Villa man, but his hunger to get into the box and on the end of an inviting cross impressed his manager, who understands and appreciates his determination to get on the scoresheet more often.
Guardiola backed the attacker to add more goals and assists to his game, while also insisting that he has other responsibilities in the Blues side.
"Sometimes people need time to realise what they have to do and we are very pleased. The last game and the previous game he played against [Manchester] United, he's played really good," Guardiola said last month.
"Maybe he understands a little bit more - he came from another reality before - but of course, confidence is an important part of development. He can do it and he can prove whatever he wants. He's more aggressive. Every player feels that."
Grealish has featured on 55 occasions in all competitions for City since his move last summer, registering seven goals and four assists for the Blues. In comparison, he has made 24 appearances for the Three Lions, where he has scored once and assisted six more.
Given his added freedom while on international duty, it is somewhat unsurprising that he has recorded more assists than he has done at club level for the Blues. However, the opportunity to get on the pitch and contribute in front of goal for Southgate's side at the World Cup could have a positive impact on the remainder of Grealish's club campaign.
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