I’m ready to scratch the seven-year itch says Rory
GREALISH VOWS HE IS READY TO ENTERTAIN AND LIFT THE SPIRITS OF NATION
RORY McILROY believes he is knocking on the door once more and close to ending his seven-year Major drought.
The Northern Irishman was in the hunt at the US Open before coming unstuck on the back nine while Jon Rahm steamrollered to victory.
But after blowing out of the Masters earlier this year, McIlroy, 32, is convinced he is heading in the right direction again as he gears up for The Open at Royal St George’s next month. He said: “I feel like it’s just subtle
tweaks here and there. It sometimes feels further away than it actually is.
“But going from walking away Friday night from Augusta National to being right in the thick of things on the back nine of the U.S. Open, I’m on the right path.
“I feel way more comfortable with what I’m doing, especially in a situation like this. The way I hit the ball tee to green, I felt much more in control than the previous times I’ve been in this position – I put up a good fight.” McIlroy, who carded a closing 73 to finish on one under – five behind Rahm – was thrilled for his Ryder Cup team-mate. “He was a Major champion-in-waiting,” said McIlroy. “It was just a matter of time.” MICHAEL GANNON
JACK GREALISH promises to be “fearless” if he is finally given a starting place against Czech Republic tonight.
The Aston Villa midfielder insists that despite his shins being ice-packed during the tournament, he is 100 percent fit and raring to go.
It will be sweet music for England fans frustrated by his cameo substitute roles so far
He said: “I hope to bring a lot. If I got the chance to play, I’d be as fearless as possible. I’d attack the full-backs or whoever I’m up against. I’d just try and do what I do on a weekly basis for Aston Villa.
“I see every game as if it’s just a normal game. I wouldn’t try and change stuff. I don’t ever really get nervous or worry about games because, as soon as you’re five minutes into a game anyway, you’re just in the zone, so I would never sit there before a game worrying.
“I just try and play every game as if I’m playing Under-18s football or Under-23s at Villa. I’ve done it my whole life, so why would I change the way I play, or the way I do stuff, just because it’s a bigger game?”
Grealish’s form in the Premier League would have made him an automatic choice three months ago, but his lack of football since picking up an injury in February has thrown a question mark over his ability to hit games with the full force of his invention.
However, he says there is no longer a fitness issue.
“My fitness is fine,” he said. “I’m available and ready when called upon. There’s no issues whatsoever. Missing some sessions was just part of the plan that we had and it seems to be working because my shins are feeling good.
“I also had that plan towards the back end of last season withVilla.”
With Harry Kane a confirmed starter for tonight’s game, the hope is that Grealish can provide him with some of the ammunition that has been in desperately short supply in the opening two games.
Phil Foden, below, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford have all failed to form the necessary rapport and, with Mason Mount a doubt due to the Covid situation, it seems the perfect time to start Grealish.
Ironically, the cheers greeting his warm-up against Croatia lifted spirits just as England scored the only goal of the game. Coincidence? Maybe. Certainly, he was not able to find a way past resolute Scotland when he did get a good spell on the pitch.
But Grealish has no worries about entertaining the same England fans who booed the team off on Friday.
“No, it doesn’t bring pressure,” he said. “It’s something that I love. You know, people wanting me to come on the pitch is a brilliant feeling for myself.
“Maybe it could be because I’m a bit fearless with the way I play. I try to get people off their seats.”