Aston Villa news: Jack Grealish will force his way into England squad says Dean Smith

Jack Grealish will force his way into the the England squad, according to Aston Villa boss Dean Smith.

The Villa chief expects his captain to figure in Gareth Southgate's thoughts this term.

Three Lions boss Southgate watched the midfielder as he helped Villa back to the Premier League last term and names his squad for the Euro 2020 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Kosovo next week.

Grealish may miss out on the first squad of the season but Smith expects the 23-year-old to eventually make the breakthrough.

"He's getting better and better and once he hits top form sooner or later he'll be in that squad," he said, ahead of Friday's Premier League visit of Everton.

"It's down to Gareth if he deserves one or not, he's not in control if he gets chosen for the squad. All he can control are his performances.

"If he keeps playing the way he did in the second half against Bournemouth he'll certainly start getting noticed. He's a terrific talent we thankfully have at this club.

"He thrives whenever the pressure is better or greater for him. He is a top player, we see it day in, day out. Others only see it once a week."