Jack Grealish is being lined up for a key role at the European Championship by Gareth Southgate despite concern among the public that the Aston Villa player might miss out on the squad.
Sources close to the team say that last November’s internationals were Grealish’s key audition, when he started and thrived in all three games against the Republic of Ireland, Belgium and Iceland.
The fact that he started against Belgium away from home, the most difficult test England have had this season, is seen as significant in that it demonstrates Southgate will trust him to start games against top opposition.