Jack Grealish blocked from joining England training, Roy Hodgson says
Friday 2 October 2015 07:27, UK
Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood blocked an invitation for Jack Grealish to train with England this month, Roy Hodgson has revealed.
Grealish has chosen to pursue a senior international career with the country of his birth rather than the Republic of Ireland, who he represented at youth level.
And while Hodgson chose not to select Grealish for his latest squad, he was open to the idea of inviting the 20-year-old to St George's Park.
"The Football Association wanted him to come up and to show him that we were pleased that he chose England and to show him St George's Park," Hodgson said. "We wanted to induct him into England and the England way.
"[FA technical director] Dan Ashworth said to me: 'What about Grealish training with the team and I said: 'Yeah, that would be fine. He could train with us.'
"We often have young players training with us. It wouldn't have been a problem but Tim made it clear that wasn't a good idea. As far as he was concerned he needed the boy to do some more training because he missed the pre-season.
"It is no problem to us. I'm fully aware and accept that, for Aston Villa, this two weeks is a very important time for him and it's certainly more important for him to get the training he needs under his belt."
Sherwood this week dampened talk of Grealish making England's Euro 2016 squad, and Hodgson says there are "no guarantees" the player will get a senior call-up.
"I was keen to point that out to him and his father," the England boss said. "The only way he will get into the squad is if he is one of the best 23. We can't offer him any sweeteners or bonuses because you have made a decision to play for England."
