Yesterday, Roy Hodgson named a 24 man England squad to take on Ireland in Dublin next month. There were a few surprises in the shape of Tom Heaton and Jamie Vardy. However, as with the Ireland squad announcement last week, much of the interest was about a young man who wasn't in the squad.
Hodgson was asked about the ongoing Jack Grealish saga and he initially revealed a little without committing himself too much.
However, he has since expanded upon his original comments and his latest musings are significantly more telling. When asked about the possibility of Grealish being included in the England squad to face Ireland, Hodgson revealed that he considered it but was worried about the reaction.
It would have been inflammatory at the last minute if he chose us and played.
If you want to read between the lines, that could suggest that Hodgson is fairly confident that if he had decided to call up the 19 year old, he would likely have said yes. The England manager went on to say that Grealish is 'fully aware' of England's interest in him.
We've been in regular contact with him and his family and his advisers. He's fully aware that if he wants to play for England we'd be very happy to take him.
But he has to 100% be allowed to decide himself and it should not be anyone in particular telling him to change allegiance if that is not what he wants to do.
So, once again, nothing concrete but plenty to keep us on tenterhooks.
[BBC]
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