When the England squad was announced earlier this week, many fans couldn't believe Jack Grealish hadn't been selected.

We teamed up with @danmorgi34 from @HeartOfTheHolte for a look back at his journey to this point.

Grealish’s career with his boyhood club began in 2001, signing as a six year old for the club both he and his family had supported all their lives. Since day one, there has only been one club for him.

Like many in Birmingham, Grealish’s Grandparents are from the Republic of Ireland. Growing up, Jack also played Gaelic Football, a sport which he praises for making him the player he is today. https://theathletic.co.uk/1637991/2020/02/28/irish-jack-grealish-villa-england-carabao-cup/

At youth level he represented the Republic of Ireland, from their U17 age group to their U21 team - scoring six goals in 19 appearances for the boys in green.

On his journey to stardom, Jack went out on loan to Notts County and was given a chance of regular football in League One. He went on to make 37 appearances for the Magpies, scoring five goals and assisting seven. They wouldn't have stayed up without him.

Jack made his Premier League debut back in May 2014. Just 18 years young, a fresh faced Grealish came on as a substitute against Manchester City at the Etihad. They lost 4-0, but we don't think he can really take the blame for that.

After careful consideration, Grealish chose to no longer represent the Republic of Ireland and opted to switch his allegiance to England. Jack then went on to represent the England U21's seven times under the current England manager, Gareth Southgate…

After Paul Lambert was sacked, Tim Sherwood took the reins and was infatuated with Grealish. Even more so after the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool, announcing himself to the world and ruining Steven Gerrard's leaving party in the process.

You know what they say though, everything that goes up must come down. After losing the final to Arsenal and then suffering relegation to the Championship the following season, things weren’t looking good for Villa’s bright spark.

After a couple of years in the Championship, problems with the owners and the dire financial situation meant that Grealish came very close to leaving in the summer of 2018. After beating Hull 3-1 at the KCOM, Grealish waved the fans goodbye, for what felt like his last time.

This wasn’t the case. Grealish stayed put at his boyhood club with only one thing on his mind - promotion to the Premier League. Dean Smith was hired to replace Bruce in October of 2019, which proved to be somewhat of a turning point for Jack’s development.

Injury led to him missing 4 months of the season, and Villa won only 2 games from 13 in that time.

Grealish came back a changed man, as the captain of his boyhood club, scoring a sensational volley against Derby County to announce his return.

Grealish's return signified a historic moment for the club, who went on to win 10 games in a row for the first time ever. This included a 1-0 win against local rivals Birmingham City. Well, you know who had the last laugh...

After a nervy two legged tie against West Brom, Villa were in the play-off final with only Derby County in their way. Grealish showed again he was capable of producing on the big stage, as his side emerged victorious at Wembley. We think it's fair to say he was targeted.

Last season he reinvented himself once more, occupying a wider position. His stats were no joke.

- 8 goals and 6 assists
- Created 91 chances (only bettered by De Bruyne)
- 73 successful take-ons (3rd highest in PL)
- Fouled 167 times (a new league record)

His versatility and newfound leadership, accompanied with his eye for goal, makes Jack Grealish a truly special footballer. From leading his boyhood club to promotion as captain, to ensuring Premier League survival - Jack Grealish is living every Villa fan's dream.

We’re not saying Southgate read this thread, we’re just saying there’s a chance. https://twitter.com/JackGrealish/status/1300542799167840256