Paul Merson makes England claim concerning Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish

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Paul Merson has told Sky Sports that he would be concerned for Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish’s chances of going to Euro 2020 if Jesse Lingard impresses during the upcoming international break.

The West Ham loanee is back in the England fold after a stunning start to life at the London Stadium. He has scored five goals in seven appearances in the Premier League for the Hammers.

His form has prompted Gareth Southgate to recall him to the squad for this break. Meanwhile, it is set to be a quiet couple of weeks for Grealish.

The Villans talisman was not called up as he continues to work his way back from injury.

For many, it would be no surprise to see Grealish back in the international fold at the next opportunity. But Merson believes that his position in the squad this summer may soon be in the balance.

“If Lingard does well, it opens up the question of if Jack Grealish gets in,” he told Sky Sports. “I’m Jack’s biggest fan, but I’m not sure Gareth is. It will be interesting to see how Jesse Lingard does and if he’s given an opportunity.

“If he’s not given one, then I don’t see a problem with Jack walking straight back into the squad but if Lingard is given an opportunity and does well, I don’t know how Jack gets in the squad then.”

It did seem to take Southgate time to start putting faith in Grealish after calling him up. It certainly frustrated many neutral fans, let alone those Villa supporters who were watching him every single week.

But there is surely no way that Grealish will be left out by Southgate this summer. Only Harry Kane and Kevin De Bruyne have provided more assists in the Premier League this season.

He is a player capable of sheer magic. And while England do have a lot of competition in that area of the field, it would be a baffling decision for Southgate to leave Grealish out – no matter how well Lingard does.