In an interview, Rooney stated, "Jack Grealish may as well plan his summer vacation now because he won't be included in the squad."

He also mentioned, "You think Andy Gordon dropped out, and he still isn't called into it, so I think Thomas Tuchel is quite set."

Grealish last played for the England national team in October 2024, after being brought back into the team under temporary coach Lee Carsley following his exclusion from the Euro 2024 squad.