Not solely did Curtis Jones begin on his England debut, the in-form Liverpool midfielder marked it with a wonderful aim because the Three Lions beat Greece 3-0.
With a number of gamers pulling out and interim coach Lee Carlsey overseeing his closing video games, Jones was a type of to profit as he began for the primary time.
It got here in a snug win for England with the 23-year-old on the coronary heart of it, beginning in a deeper position however working with the liberty of a box-to-box midfielder.
The primary aim got here when a flowing transfer was completed by Ollie Watkins, after Noni Madueke’s pullback – the Chelsea winger simply beating Kostas Tsimikas on the suitable flank.
Tsimikas compelled Jordan Pickford into an excellent save at his close to publish after a intelligent underlapping run, with the goalkeeper required once more within the second half.
England’s second got here as Jude Bellingham broke via the center and fired an effort that bounced off the publish and in by way of Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Jones then made it 3-0 within the closing phases, surging ahead as substitutes Morgan Gibbs-White and Jarrod Bowen mixed earlier than flicking Gibbs-White’s cutback past Vlachodimos together with his again heel.
WHAT A GOAL FROM CURTIS JONES! ?
A fantastic little flick places England three clear! ?????????????????????#ITVFootball | #NationsLeague | @LFC pic.twitter.com/lkmbDJzRqO
— ITV Soccer (@itvfootball) November 14, 2024
It was an enormous second for Jones, who was disregarded of the ultimate squad for the Euros earlier than pulling out of Carsley’s group in October as a result of start of his daughter.
In scoring on his debut, he turned the primary Liverpool participant to take action for England since Sammy Lee in 1982, in response to Opta.
Per FotMob, Jones had essentially the most touches (86), accomplished essentially the most passes (65/68), received the third-most duels (seven) and the joint-most tackles (two) of any participant.
“I attempted, I attempted!” he advised ITV Sport when put to him that he made an enormous impression.
“It is a younger crew, we’re all taking part in nicely for our golf equipment, we’re all thrilling gamers who wish to get on the ball and be artistic! Even once we misplaced the ball we carried on doing it”
Jude Bellingham & Curtis Jones spoke to @GabrielClarke05 following @England’s win over Greece pic.twitter.com/zXFhO0Nkef
— ITV Soccer (@itvfootball) November 14, 2024
“The lads round helped as nicely. I simply went on the market, I used to be taking part in free, I had a smile on my face, I used to be having fun with it and I’m pleased that I got here away with a aim as nicely.”
Requested concerning the freedom in his sport, Jones replied: “For those who’ve acquired a crew like ours, like that, I can go excessive, I can come low, I can get on the ball, I can play.
“There’s lads there to assist, there’s additionally lads who mentioned I can go as nicely. Jude stayed again and I noticed I had an opportunity to go. That’s what I did and by chance sufficient I scored.”
?? “It isn’t shocking – Curtis is an OUTSTANDING participant. I assumed he performed very well right now even with out his aim.”
Lee Carsley speaks with @GabrielClarke05 after victory over Greece #ITVFootball | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/f69NDru4Cn
— ITV Soccer (@itvfootball) November 14, 2024
Additionally chatting with ITV Sport, Carsley – who coached Jones at U21s stage – was stuffed with his reward for his debutant.
“It’s not shocking, Curtis is an excellent participant,” he mentioned.
“I assumed he performed very well right now even with out his aim. Along with his aim, it was a wonderful efficiency, so I’m actually delighted for him.”
