Tuchel: Grealish needs regular football to make World Cup

Thomas Tuchel has told Jack Grealish he will need to play regular football if he wants to force himself into England’s World Cup plans.

Grealish’s future is currently uncertain, with reports suggesting he will not be part of Manchester City’s Club World Cup squad for the tournament.

The 29-year-old made just 20 Premier League appearances last season but started only seven of those as he played just 715 minutes across the season.

He managed just one goal, against Leicester City in April, and one assist across the league campaign.

Grealish was also left on the bench during City’s 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final last month.

Tuchel is yet to call upon Grealish, who has 39 caps for England, with his last appearance coming against Finland under interim boss Lee Carsley and highlighted the importance of him needing consistent game time ahead of next year’s World Cup.

“He needs to make himself available by playing,” Tuchel said. “I think it’s one of his key strengths.

“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.

“I love Jack for his personality and, of course, his talent. He is a very unique player who can handle big pressure on the field. He is never shy of pressure. It’s the opposite.

“He grows in big matches, but he’s a player who needs minutes and minutes and minutes and simply does not get them for a very long time. Nothing has changed.”