Jack Grealish has had to bide his time in the England set-up but the Man City star is now being tipped to be a leading light for the Three Lions at next year’s World Cup
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Guardiola tells Grealish to emulate Sterling with goal return
England fans have tipped Jack Grealish to be the team’s shining light in Qatar next year.
The Three Lions are expected to be among the favourites at the 2022 World Cup having fallen narrowly short at the Euros.
Gareth Southgate’s squad is full of quality as young players continue to emerge.
Grealish has had to fight for his spot in the England squad having previously been shunned by the England boss.
However his performances for Aston Villa made him impossible to ignore and he has become a fan favourite.
According to a YouGov survey of more than 1,000 UK football fans for Betfair 18 per cent of England fans think the new Manchester City man will be England’s stand out.
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The Premier League champions broke the British transfer record to sign him this summer.
12 per cent think Raheem Sterling will be England’s main man next summer with 10 per cent backing Harry Kane to be the leading light.
Grealish opened up in the summer about his desire to perform for England on the biggest stage and showcase his quality.
He cited the influence of Paul Gascoigne and Wayne Rooney as motivating factors.
Grealish told the BBC: “I’ve spoken about how big these tournaments are in people’s careers. You think back and look at Gazza at Italia ’90, where he was well known before, but everyone remembers that tournament.
“You look at Wayne Rooney at Euro 2004 when he set his marker to be one of the best in the world.
“I’ve got a bit to follow in their footsteps, but hopefully I can do that if I get more chances in the tournament.
“You all know how much confidence I have in myself to be able to perform – and I felt I did that with my assist (against the Czech Republic).
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“I felt I could have still created a few more chances, but we got the win and that was the main thing.
“It’s obviously different to what I’ve been used to. I’ve never played in Europe before, I’ve never played in the Europa League or Champions League so it’s obviously different to what I’m used to.
“But it’s a new challenge, it’s something that I’m really enjoying, I love it. It is a matter of showcasing my talent to the world and it is what I want.”
Grealish has won 12 caps for England since making his debut against Denmark in 2020.
