Curtis Jones’ first appearance for the national side could not have gone any better. He became the first Liverpool player to score on his England debut in 42 years, putting in a fantastic performance against Greece. His game by numbers: 96% pass accuracy (65/68) 7 duels won
Curtis Jones has spoken about the motivation behind his brilliant England debut last Thursday.
The midfielder, who had previously played for Liverpool, earned his England debut in a 3-0 Nations League Group B victory over Greece.
Jones had an outstanding game as the central midfielder helped seal the win with a beautiful second-half backheel finish.
In an interview with ITV Sport that followed, Jones discussed “making an impression” that day and divulged the strategy that had improved his performance.
“The lads around also helped,” he remarked. I was playing carefree when I stepped outside. I was pleased that I scored since I was smiling, having fun, and enjoying myself.
With a squad like ours, I can play both high and low, receive and give the ball, and yet find a way to contribute. I got an opportunity because Jude held back, and I was fortunate enough to score.
Curtis Jones has revealed what helped inspire his sensational England debut on Thursday
The Liverpool midfielder scored a delightful backheel goal in England’s 3-0 win over Greece
England opened the scoring inside six minutes as Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins smashed home from close range after neat play down the right-hand side.
The Three Lions doubled their lead after the break as Jude Bellingham’s long-range effort hit the post before deflecting off the keeper and nestling into the net.
Jones wrapped up the win after providing a neat backheel finish after a pass from Morgan Gibbs-White.
The midfielder has been in stellar form during the campaign for the Reds, having scored once and got one assist from his eight Premier League matches.
During the game, England’s stars were targeted by lasers from the Greece crowd during their Nations League clash.
Real Madrid star Bellingham was running through on goal when bright green lasers could be spotted on him, in an apparent bid to put him off.
England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was also targeted with the lasers during the match.
Despite the magnitude of the match, Carsley has opted to start Ollie Watkins up-front, instead of Three Lions captain Kane, and later explained his decision.
Jones carried his impressive form for Liverpool this year into the international break
He said: ‘It was important to give Ollie Watkins the opportunity. To experience a night like this is great for himself.
‘This team needs to try and create leaders and one way of doing that is giving them an opportunity.
Speaking on Kane, he said; ‘He’s fine. He wants to play. But his attitude has been fantastic since.
‘It’s important that we give players a chance and I’m sure Ollie will do really well tonight’.