DANNY MURPHY: Gareth Southgate is wrong to ignore Jack Grealish's unique talent... he can play in England's midfield three as well as on the wing

I feel for Jack Grealish. He was superb for Aston Villa last season, one of the standout English players in the Premier League, and was the key to his side’s survival.

So, it was a huge blow for him to be left out of the England squad for the Nations League games. Gareth Southgate said he sees Grealish as a winger, maybe as a No 10, and he has a wealth of talent in those areas with Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.

It’s true, England have tremendous quality in attacking areas. Where I think Southgate is wrong is seeing him only in those positions. At his best, I believe Grealish is part of the midfield trio behind the front three. 

I feel for Jack Grealish and it was a blow that he was left out of England's Nations League squad

One of the two forward central midfielders ahead of the holding player, like Kevin De Bruyne ahead of Rodri for Manchester City or Paul Pogba ahead of Nemanja Matic for Manchester United.

Grealish has the strength to play in there and the courage to take the ball under pressure anywhere on the pitch and get you up the field. He is unique in that respect among English players. You look at Harry Winks, James Ward-Prowse and Declan Rice. They are excellent players but they are very different from Grealish.

It is a bit predictable that England choose the orthodox options. The misconception about Grealish is that people see him as just a dribbler. He’s not. He has a superb range of passing and can open teams up from this deeper position.

I feel for Jack but he is determined. His time will come. He will get his chance. While it was disappointing to see him left out, it was exciting to see Kalvin Phillips selected. He has been exceptional for Leeds.

It is a bit predictable that England choose the orthodox options but Grealish's time will come