Jack Grealish enjoyed a perfect first start at Euro 2020 on Tuesday by assisting Raheem Sterling with a brilliant left-footed cross for England's winning goal against Czech Republic in Group D.
The 25-year-old didn’t play the full game, but showed fans and pundits just why he should be under serious consideration for a starting place in England’s round of 16 clash with Germany on June 29.
The Aston Villa captain spoke to the BBC about what he wants to achieve during the tournament, including following in the footsteps of Manchester United’s all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney.
"I've spoken about how big these tournaments are in people's careers,” Grealish said. “You think back and look at Gazza at Italia '90, where he was well known before, but everyone remembers that tournament.
"You look at Wayne Rooney at Euro 2004 when he set his marker to be one of the best in the world.
"I've got a bit to follow in their footsteps, but hopefully I can do that if I get more chances in the tournament."
Rooney was 18 at Euro 2004 and made a huge impact on the Three Lions progression in the tournament, scoring four goals in the group stage, before the team was knocked out by Portugal in the quarter-finals. The striker joined United in a big money move later that summer and went on to become a club legend.
If Grealish wants to follow in the footsteps of these Three Lions greats, then gametime and goals are needed. The 25-year-old also featured in the nation's Group D match against Scotland on June 18, coming on as a 63rd minute substitute for Phil Foden
He was fouled four times, the most of any substitute in the competition so far this summer.
