Will Grealish’s move to Everton inspire more England hopefuls to change clubs this summer? | OneFootball

Jack Grealish’s loan move to Everton this summer already looks to be an inspired decision as he helped the Toffees to victory in their first match at their new stadium.

The 29-year-old was the catalyst for all things excellent about David Moyes’ side at Hill Dickinson Stadium, as he assisted both goals to send Everton on their way to a 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion.

Grealish, who had struggled for form and game time in his last two seasons at Manchester City, looked a player reborn in Merseyside blue, showing glimpses of his old-Aston Villa self as he constantly drove towards the Brighton defence, looking to take on anyone in sight.

One thing that was evident was his willingness to get back and help out his team when defending, as in the 60th minute he was seen sprinting into his own box to win the ball off the rapid Yankuba Minteh as he bared down on goal.

Thomas Tuchel names his England squad for the latest World Cup qualifiers on Friday 29th August, with Grealish hoping his early season form has convinced the German of a national team return. Marcus Rashford is another Three Lions star who has moved clubs ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with the 27-year-old departing Manchester United for Spanish Champions Barcelona.

Has Grealish’s transfer been an inspired move for the winger? Should it be viewed as a warning for other England hopefuls that a move away might be their best course of action?

Here are five players that could make moves to help aid their Three Lions World Cup chances:

Jarrod Bowen

West Ham’s best player over the past three seasons, Bowen’s international career started at the Hammers but their recent struggles might lead to a possible departure if his he is not selected this week and his England career is to continue. Bowen has scored 74 goals and assisted a further 51 for the east London side since arriving from Hull City in January 2020, and has featured 16 times for England, scoring once. The 28-year-old is also the captain of West Ham following the departure of Declan Rice two seasons ago.

Kobbie Mainoo

From being a breakout star for club and country in the 2023/24 season to failing to get a minute on the pitch so far in 2025/26, Kobbie Mainoo could be one of the latest Manchester United stars that move away for the sake of their career. Mainoo starred under previous United manager Erik ten Hag before earning the trust of Gareth Southgate during Euro 2024, where he locked down a starting berth from the second group stage match until the final. Current head coach Ruben Amorim has called on the 20-year-old to “fight” for a place in the team.

Harry Maguire

The most senior international on this list, Maguire’s bit-part role at Manchester United as a makeshift striker is certainly hurting his case for an international recall, and limited game time will only dent his England hopes further. United are reported to have rejected five approaches from clubs around Europe, whilst Maguire himself and spoken of his desire to stay at Old Trafford. Time will tell whether that is the correct choice for the defender.

Harvey Elliott

After starring in the U21 European Championships in the summer, winning Player of the Tournament, there has been question marks surrounding Elliott’s future at Liverpool, especially after a summer of meteoric spending from Arne Slot’s side. The 22-year-old’s six minutes in the Community Shield are his only minutes for the Reds thus far, and the midfielder has been linked with £40m moves to Tottenham, Brighton and RB Leipzig throughout the summer. The only uncapped player on this list, it is now time for Elliott to make a charge towards the Three Lions.

Adam Wharton

While Wharton does not necessarily need to move away from Crystal Palace, after establishing himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League, his absence from Tuchel’s last senior England team was confusing given his inclusion in the EURO 2024 squad. Having been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, Wharton’s international future might rest on a transfer to a ‘big six’ club to get the attention of manager Tuchel, who is thinking about the World Cup and not a long-term plan.