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The fit Aston Villa midfielder is determined to build a bright start to his international career
Jack Grealish welcomed the comparisons between himself and England legend Paul Gascoigne, while highlighting his ambition to cement a place in Gareth Southgate’s team.
Grealish made his long-awaited debut for England when he came on as a substitute during last month’s 0-0 draw against Denmark in the UEFA Nations League, before receiving a second consecutive call-up for the final round of international matches.
The Aston Villa midfielder had his first senior start for the Three Lions when Wales arrived at Wembley for a friendly clash on Thursday night, putting on a stellar display to help the Southgate side secure a comfortable 3-0 victory.
The 25-year-old set up Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s first goal and generally dictated the pace of the game with his excellent range of passing and movement, before being replaced by Leicester’s Harvey Barnes in the 76th minute.
Former England boss Steve McClaren has been one of those who pointed out similarities between Grealish and Gascoigne, who became a cult figure for England at the height of his career in the 1990s.
The fit playmaker says being mentioned at the same time as the former Everton and Tottenham star is a big feather in his cap, and he wants to entertain fans along the same lines with his unique play style.
“I would love to be like Gazza,” Grealish said. The Guardian. “He played with such joy and that’s what I want to do. One of the biggest compliments people can give you is that you make them happy watching soccer. “
Villa’s talisman added on his determination to become a key part of Southgate’s plans going forward: “Everyone knows that one of my long-term goals was to get into the England team and play for England. Now that I’m here, I want to cement my place. I was absolutely desperate to come here.
“There is so much talent in the forward positions and it will be difficult to get into those positions. I have full respect for those guys and the numbers they have.
“But I also have respect for the ability that I have. In the last two or three years, I have played half of my games on the wing and half of my games as a number 8 or 10.
“I fully believe that I can do both in the future. I think the coach knows it now.”
Grealish went on to insist that he can continue to deliver the goods steadily, while revealing that he hopes to follow the lead of Tottenham forward Harry Kane in terms of professionalism and commitment on and off the field.
“I’m capable of these kinds of performances,” he said before England’s Nations League doubleheader against Belgium and Denmark. “The goal is to do it every weekend like some of the players on this team: Harry Kane, Raheem [Sterling], Marcus [Rashford]. It’s the standard these guys set.
“You just have to look at Harry Kane. He’s first in training ground, he’s first in meetings. He’s last out of training ground, he’s practicing his free throws, every day.”
“It’s no wonder he’s one of the best forwards in the world. It makes you want to go back to Villa and set those standards.”
