Grealish falls under the spotlight

London – Jack Grealish wants to go from cult hero to England legend as the Aston Villa playmaker eyes a leading role in today’s Euro 2020 last-16 clash with Germany.

Grealish gave a tantalising glimpse of his ability in his first start of the tournament against the Czech Republic last week.

The 25-year-old’s nimble footwork and perfectly-flighted cross opened up the Czech defence, with Raheem Sterling the beneficiary as he headed the goal that sealed England’s 1-0 win.

It was the kind of influential moment that underlined why Grealish has such vocal backing from England fans urging Gareth Southgate to pick him more often.

With a reputation as a headstrong character off the pitch, Grealish struggled to earn Southgate’s trust until the final months before the Euro.

He eventually forced his way into the squad but had to wait for his maiden tournament start after making one substitute appearance against Scotland in England’s first two group matches.

With Phil Foden rested and Mason Mount in self-isolation, Grealish was promoted to the starting line-up against the Czechs and delivered a superb first-half display.

He faded in the second half as England went into their shell to protect the lead and Southgate has to decide whether to keep faith with Grealish or restore Mount and Foden to the team.

Befitting his confident personality, Grealish has no doubts he would prove his worth if he starts against Germany at Wembley.

Name-checking England icons Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney, Grealish has his sights set high as he prepares for a potentially career-defining moment.

“I’ve spoken about how big these tournaments are in people’s careers. You think back and look at Gazza at Italia ‘90, where he was well known before but everyone remembers that tournament,” Grealish said.

“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 if I get more chances in the tournament.”

Grealish’s desire to tease and torment defenders with his clever flicks and deft passes mark him out as something different to the other options available to Southgate.

That crowd-pleasing quality makes him the darling of Villa’s Holte End and an English icon in waiting. –