Pundit suggests Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish could be in line for ‘harsh’ decision

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Optus Sport pundit John Aloisi believes that Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish can “only play in the front three”, something which could cost him a spot in the England team at the Euros.

The 25-year-old has been sensational for Villa over the years, and Dean Smith’s decision to make him skipper in early 2019 after his return from injury reaped dividends.

Not only did Grealish help drag the Villans into the playoffs and back into the Premier League, but he played a huge role in keeping them there last season.

This season, he helped Villa get their league campaign off to a flying start and, after 21 games played, they remain in the top half of the table, just five points off the top four.

Grealish’s heroics have finally seen him considered for the England team, the attacker making his senior international debut against Denmark in September last year.

He has had to bide his time for international recognition, with a gap of nearly five years between deciding to represent England and making his senior debut for the Three Lions.

Aloisi, however, says he would opt for a front three of Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, claiming Grealish’s lack of versatility could count against him.

“I think Grealish can only play in the front three,” the former Portsmouth, Coventry and Australia striker told Optus Sport’s GegenPod.

“You could have him wide on the left but he’s not really the type who’s going to run in behind as much as Rashford when Kane gets the ball to feet.

“It will be harsh for Grealish to miss out on starting for England but when you look at the depth they’ve got… they’ll play Foden and Mount just behind, like Man City play.”

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It’s a real dilemma at present – there are so many superb English players staking a claim for a spot in the Euros team, both in midfield and in attack.

It would be a shame for Grealish to miss out though – a player of his calibre, who has more than proven himself at the top level, and who has earned comparisons with Paul Gascoigne, ought to make the cut.