Grealish was in superb form
(Picture: Getty Images)Gareth Southgate hailed Jack Grealish after the midfielder shone on his first competitive start for England.
Grealish once again looked the part of the international stage in England’s 2-0 defeat to Belgium and, with Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford missing through injury, the Aston Villa captain boosted his bid for a regular starting spot ahead of next summer’s Euros.
"I thought Jack Grealish had an absolutely outstanding game," Southgate told Sky Sports.
"Losing Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, we lost a lot of speed.
"But I can't fault the attacking play until the last pass or chance a couple of times.
"We created far more opportunities than we did at Wembley.
"I saw what I knew I would see from Jack, someone with the bravery to play.
"He took the ball in tight areas, his technique was good, he took players out of the game.
"We knew he would buy a lot of free-kicks.
"I thought he was outstanding, he should be absolutely delighted with the way he played."
Asked if Grealish had climbed the England midfield pecking order, Southgate said: "100 per cent.
"I explained to him what we wanted to see when we brought him in in September."
