MX23RW : Friday, November 20 19:14:16| >> :120:16736:16736:

Gareth Southgate: 'Jack Grealish thrives under pressure'

Gareth Southgate: 'Jack Grealish thrives under pressure'
© Reuters
The Aston Villa captain has emerged as a key player during the current international break.

England boss Gareth Southgate says Jack Grealish can thrive under the pressure of expectation.

The Aston Villa midfielder earned the plaudits for his display in Sunday's defeat to Belgium and he looks set to become an integral part of the Three Lions squad going forward.

Southgate said ahead of Wednesday's Nations League qualifier against Iceland: "That is always important with any player. We are going to succeed or fail as a team and it is for everybody to contribute.

Jack Grealish, centre
Jack Grealish, centre, has excelled for England (Nick Potts/PA)

"We have tried to ensure right the way through the last four years that it is collective expectation, we couldn't put all the pressure on Harry Kane, we couldn't put the pressure on Raheem (Sterling) or other players.

"We have to make sure that is the same with Jack. He has had a super start to his international career, I think he will be able to handle the attention, he thrives under pressure.

"He has got great courage with the ball so I don't think it will phase him. Equally it is going to be the squad and team that brings us success as a collective."

Southgate is preparing his side for a dead-rubber game that many people said should not go ahead due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Gareth Southgate watches his England side take on the Republic of Ireland
Gareth Southgate spoke of the pride players feel in representing their country (Ben Stansall/PA)

But the England boss defended the current international break.

"To represent your country is the greatest honour, of course club football is important but every player wants to represent your country," he said.

"You don't get the chance to do it very often – although it has been complicated this year, we have tried to manage that as best we can.

"No player has started more than five matches, we have played seven. We are representing 50 million people and we are trying to prepare for the European Championship.

"Add into that, players want to play, they want to win caps, score goals. We are trying to manage it as best we can."

ID:422628:cQx

Click here for more stories about Gareth Southgate

Click here for more stories about England

Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Iceland manager Erik Hamren pictured in September 2020
Read Next:
Erik Hamren: 'Iceland will play for pride against England'
>
Latest Sports Video
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Leicester CityLeicester8602189918
2Tottenham HotspurSpurs85211991017
3Liverpool85211816217
4Southampton85121612416
5Chelsea843120101015
6Aston Villa7502189915
7Everton84131614213
8Crystal Palace84131212013
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves841389-113
10Manchester CityMan City7331109112
11Arsenal8404910-112
12West Ham UnitedWest Ham83231410411
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle83231013-311
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd73131214-210
15Leeds UnitedLeeds83141417-310
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton81341114-36
17Fulham8116715-84
18West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom8035617-113
19Burnley7025312-92
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd8017414-101

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!