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 bunch of gamers pulling out and interim coach Lee Carlsey overseeing his closing video games, Jones was a kind 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 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 suitable flank.
Tsimikas compelled Jordan Pickford into a superb save at his close to submit 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 the center and fired an effort that bounced off the submit and in through 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 a giant second for Jones, who was omitted of the ultimate squad for the Euros earlier than pulling out of Carsley’s group in October because of the start of his daughter.
In scoring on his debut, he grew to become the primary Liverpool participant to take action for England since Sammy Lee in 1982, in keeping with Opta.
Per FotMob, Jones had essentially the most touches (86), accomplished essentially the most passes (65/68), gained 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 a giant impression.
“It is a younger staff, we’re all enjoying effectively for our golf equipment, we’re all thrilling gamers who wish to get on the ball and be inventive! 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 effectively. I simply went on the market, I used to be enjoying free, I had a smile on my face, I used to be having fun with it and I’m joyful that I got here away with a purpose as effectively.”
Requested concerning the freedom in his recreation, Jones replied: “If you happen to’ve acquired a staff 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 effectively. Jude stayed again and I noticed I had an opportunity to go. That’s what I did and fortunately sufficient I scored.”
?? “It isn’t stunning – Curtis is an OUTSTANDING participant. I believed he performed very well in the present day 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 chatting with ITV Sport, Carsley – who coached Jones at U21s degree – was stuffed with his reward for his debutant.
“It’s not stunning, Curtis is an excellent participant,” he mentioned.
“I believed he performed very well in the present day even with out his purpose. Along with his purpose, it was a wonderful efficiency, so I’m actually delighted for him.”
