Not solely did Curtis Jones begin on his England debut, the in-form Liverpool midfielder marked it with a wonderful purpose because the Three Lions beat Greece 3-0.
With a number of gamers pulling out and interim coach Lee Carlsey overseeing his last video games, Jones was a type of to learn 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 function however working with the liberty of a box-to-box midfielder.
The primary purpose 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 correct flank.
Tsimikas pressured Jordan Pickford into a superb save at his close to put up after a intelligent underlapping run, with the goalkeeper required once more within the second half.
England’s second got here as Jude Bellingham broke by means of the center and fired an effort that bounced off the put up and in by way of Odysseas Vlachodimos.
Jones then made it 3-0 within the closing levels, surging ahead as substitutes Morgan Gibbs-White and Jarrod Bowen mixed earlier than flicking Gibbs-White’s cutback past Vlachodimos along with his again heel.
WHAT A GOAL FROM CURTIS JONES! ?
A good looking 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 not noted 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 line with Opta.
Per FotMob, Jones had probably the most touches (86), accomplished probably 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 informed ITV Sport when put to him that he made an enormous impression.
“It is a younger crew, we’re all taking part in properly for our golf equipment, we’re all thrilling gamers who need to get on the ball and be artistic! Even after 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 properly. 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 glad that I got here away with a purpose as properly.”
Requested in regards to the freedom in his recreation, Jones replied: “Should you’ve bought 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 stated I can go as properly. Jude stayed again and I noticed I had an opportunity to go. That’s what I did and fortuitously sufficient I scored.”
?? “It isn’t shocking – Curtis is an OUTSTANDING participant. I assumed he performed rather well as we speak even with out his purpose.”
Lee Carsley speaks with @GabrielClarke05 after victory over Greece #ITVFootball | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/f69NDru4Cn
— ITV Soccer (@itvfootball) November 14, 2024
Additionally talking to ITV Sport, Carsley – who coached Jones at U21s stage – was filled with his reward for his debutant.
“It’s not shocking, Curtis is an excellent participant,” he stated.
“I assumed he performed rather well as we speak even with out his purpose. Along with his purpose, it was a wonderful efficiency, so I’m actually delighted for him.”
