Roy Keane told ITV on Tuesday evening that Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish was forcing the Czech Republic to face their own goal ‘quite a lot’ during England’s 1-0 win at Euro 2020.
The Three Lions beat the Czech’s by a single goal at Wembley, with Villa’s boyhood fan providing Raheem Sterling with the assist after his beautifully weighted cross found the Man City man in the first half.
That first-half display from England was full of energy, enthusiasm and attacking intent, as Villa’s expert ball-carrier played a huge part in that change in tempo.
Keane was full of praise for the intent England were showing, as he especially praised Grealish for what he brought to the table.
“It’s a reminder, football is a simple game,” said Keane. “You get the ball quickly to your attacking players. They’ll beat a man and making something happen. Get some crosses in and put some bodies in the box.
“That’s what good players do (on Grealish going from one touchline to the other during the game). Their movement. They affect the game.
“What we are seeing. They do this every week. Good movement. Stretching. This is what the game is about. Just stretching people.
“The Czech team are facing their goal quite a lot, especially when Jack gets it and Sterling. Excellent.”
Tonight was just further proof as to why Grealish needs to start for England and why the cries have been so loud for him to be handed that starting birth.
In the second half, England’s overall performance did lack that high-level energy they provided during the first 45 minutes, but it was much better than what they have produced from the first two games.
Now it will be interesting to see if Grealish keeps his starting place, as England will play either Germany, France, Portugal, or the least likely opponent of Hungary, next Tuesday in the round of 16.
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