Jack Grealish gave Gareth Southgate something to smile about by making his first appearance in exactly three months in Aston Villa’s limp goalless draw with Everton.
The Villa skipper has not played since Villa’s 0-0 draw at Brighton on February 13 due a shin problem. But his arrival as a 72nd-minute substitute should – barring another setback – secure his place in Southgate’s squad for Euro 2020.
The England manager would have been concerned, however, to see Villa defender Tyrone Mings receive lengthy treatment in stoppage time with the tournament less than a month away.
Grealish’s cameo was eventful: there were the trademark surges with the ball that Villa have lacked in the last 12 games, as well as two scares for club and country when Grealish hit the deck after hefty challenges.