Jack Grealish cringes at himself and backs England for glory due to 7 stars

England train ahead of Australia clash

Jack Grealish believes this is the “perfect time” for England’s “group of brothers” finally to win a major tournament. The Manchester City star jokingly admitted that he makes himself cringe giving that description to Gareth Southgate’s squad. 

The Three Lions return to Wembley for only the second time this year to face Australia in a friendly tonight but already one eye is on the Euro 2024 finals in Germany in the summer.

“We feel that now is probably the perfect time to succeed together,” he said. “When you do think properly about the players we have, it’s unbelievable.

“The talent we have – Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Declan Rice, it’s just unbelievable. Even Kyle Walker, he’s, what, now 33, but I said to him the other day, ‘Mate, this is the best I have ever seen you’. 

READ MORE: Wayne Rooney tells Birmingham City fans what Tom Brady is like as an owner[LATEST]

“Without putting too much pressure on ourselves, this is one we are really looking at to go into and try and win the tournament. Imagine how amazing it would be for the country? It would be unbelievable. We do feel this is our time.”

On top of that, Manchester City’s treble winner senses the same togetherness that has brought so much success to the Etihad.

“Obviously the main thing you need is talent,” he added. “Everyone needs that in their team but you also need that togetherness – it makes it so much better. It sounds cringe, but when you are a group of brothers playing together, a group of friends, that really helps.”

Southgate is expected to keep his strongest team back for Italy on Tuesday but will not be giving the Aussies an easy ride given the intense sporting rivalry between the countries. 

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

DON’T MISS…
Arsenal icon Jack Wilshere in line for football comeback as talks held[GOSSIP]
Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Zaniolo leave Italy camp as police ‘quiz’ Prem duo[NEWS]
Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk insists he would take a pay cut in reporter clash[QUOTES]

“I keep having to say to our players before these games ‘Look lads, this is another country that doesn’t particularly like us, so get prepared for that, they want to make hay and beat us’.”

Southgate played in the 3-1 defeat by Australia in 2003, a game now more famous for being Wayne Rooney’s England debut. The England boss, playing for Middlesbrough at the time, was taunted by Aussie goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. 

“I think we’ve talked to the players about the England-Australia sporting rivalry and we know what that means,” Southgate said. 

“I played with a lot of Aussies and when they beat us at Upton Park they were pretty quick to come back to Middlesbrough and Mark Schwarzer had a blow up kangaroo under his arm and he was making hay with it all. There’s plenty of rivalry going on.”

Source: Read Full Article