Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish remains optimistic that he can break into the England squad following a discussion with assistant manager John Terry. The likes of Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount and James Maddison have been preferred ahead of Grealish for the attacking midfield role with the Three Lions but the 24-year-old believes he can make the breakthrough ahead of next summer’s European Championship.

In a report covered by Evening Standard, Grealish acknowledged that there are a number of young players, who are currently playing in his position for the national side and he faces plenty of competition. The versatile midfielder added that he is backing himself to make the cut through a consistent run of performances in the Premier League this term.

He told: “I think the position I play at the moment there are so many talented players out there: Madders, Dele [Alli], Mason Mount and [Jesse] Lingard, so many good young English players. So there is a lot of competition there but I know I can play. I back myself to get into the England team. I was speaking to John Terry the other day and he said it always took him five or six games to get to the standard he knew he could be at and I think that is the same as me at the moment.”

Grealish has been a quite presence for the west Midlands outfit this season where they have accumulated just four points from the opening five league games. John McGinn has been the standout performer for the Villains but the fans will be hoping that Grealish can find the form from the past few seasons such that the club can stay clear of the drop zone. Dean Smith’s side are scheduled to face Arsenal on the road during the forthcoming league clash.