127-appearance Manchester City star could play unexpected role in permanent England managerial appointment decision

Manchester City star Jack Grealish could be set to play a notable role during England’s search for a new permanent manager.

The 29-year-old is set to mark his birthday with a start for England against Finland in the UEFA Nations League at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday evening, with the Manchester City forward having returned to the Three Lions set-up this month.

Grealish, who was unexpectedly axed from Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championship in Germany during the summer, scored upon his England return on Saturday evening in Dublin.

The Manchester City forward netted during a 0-2 win over Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, with Declan Rice also on the scoresheet during Lee Carsley’s first game as interim England manager.

Carsley called-up Grealish, John Stones, Rico Lewis and Phil Foden from Manchester City for the September fixtures, although Foden was forced to withdraw from the squad due to recent issues with illness.

Grealish made his first start for Pep Guardiola’s side ahead of the international break, starting the 1-3 win over West Ham at the London Stadium, as the Sky Blues extended their winning start to the new 2024/25 campaign.

The Englishman is expected to play a notable role for Manchester City this season, and could also reportedly impact England’s next permanent managerial appointment, as the Football Association continue their search for Southgate’s successor.

The Independent report that Carsley’s use of Grealish in recent England training sessions has led to ‘excitement’, boosting the 50-year-old’s credentials to potentially take the role on a permanent basis.

Grealish will return to the City Football Academy following Tuesday’s Nations League fixture, with Manchester City facing upcoming games against Brentford in the Premier League and Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League.