Jack Grealish is poised to “build on” his impressive England form with Gareth Southgate planning to start the Aston Villa star again against Iceland.
Grealish has belatedly forced his way into Southgate’s Euro 2020 plans over the last few months, capitalising on a call-up in September following a number of injuries.
And the 25-year-old shone once more despite the 2-0 loss to Belgium, with Southgate thrilled by his progress and ability to take in instructions from the coaching team.
Despite already starting twice during this international break, Southgate is eager to pick Grealish in his line-up once more for the final Nations League game against Iceland on Wednesday given Villa’s club schedule is less intense due to no European football.
“We have got to assess everyone physically. I mean, he has put in a huge shift tonight for the team and although his club have not had the sort of schedule other clubs have had, we have still got to make sure we are not taking any chances,” Southgate said.
“So if he reports fine, then of course we would like to give him the opportunity to keep going.
“He can build on what he did tonight for sure but like all the players, we have got to assess him over the next couple of days.”
“He has impressed us so much with the way he has been with the group, training, taking on board tactical information and none of that is a given.
“To come into a new group of players no matter what your quality is, is not an easy thing.
“He has played with some lads at Under-21 level but he has done that extremely well and tonight was the best of the three performances he has had against top level opponents so really, as I said, I am really pleased with him. He should be delighted. It is something to build on now.”
Southgate has also dismissed any concern with Harry Kane’s form for England, with no goal in five games - his worst run since 2016.
“No,” Southgate added when asked if Kane’s deeper role for Tottenham has impacted his form for the Three Lions. “In September, he was in the middle of pre-season and in October he came into the game but had missed a fair bit of training so I am not concerned about that at all.
“You have seen his performances with his club. I thought he was a threat tonight. There were some good combinations. He is going to score goals if we get him in the right areas and create as we need to, then Harry will finish chances.”
