Grealish hopes England return will kick-start his season

DUBLIN — Jack Grealish admitted his goal-scoring role in England's 2-0 win against Ireland on Saturday was the ideal way to forget the "worst summer" of his life.

Grealish was left out of England's Euro 2024 squad by Gareth Southgate after an inconsistent season with Manchester City.

But, with the departure of Southgate after England's loss to Spain in the Euro final in July, the winger was restored to the starting lineup by interim boss Lee Carsley for the Three Lions' Nations League opener in Dublin.

Grealish, 28, made the most of a rare chance to play in the No 10 role, as he scored England's second goal in the first half, meeting Declan Rice's cutback with a clinical finish.

"It was one of the worst summers of my life, because you cannot see everything that is happening in front of you. It was difficult, but it's given me something to bounce back," Grealish said.

Grealish has long been a favorite of England fans, with his flamboyant playing style and vibrant off-field personality.

But, Southgate grew cautious about using him as his reign wore on, while City boss Pep Guardiola has started him only once in the Premier League champion's first three games this term.

Grealish hopes his starring role against Ireland can kick-start his season.

"I need to start playing regularly, scoring goals, and that's what I did today. I'm still not 100 percent fit, but I'm getting there, so, from a personal point of view, I'm happy," he said.

"Going to the fans at the end and hearing them sing my name, listen there's no better feeling than playing for England, everyone will say the same thing, especially in games like this when you know the whole nation is going to be watching."

Helping England start its post-Southgate era in winning style was especially sweet for Grealish.

He and England teammate Rice were subjected to jeers from Ireland fans angry at the pair, who represented the Republic earlier in their playing careers before switching allegiance to the Three Lions.

"It was what me and Declan expected. We have nothing bad to say, we both enjoyed our time playing for Ireland, I certainly did, and I have a lot of Irish in my family, so there's no bad blood whatsoever from my side," Grealish said.

Some 55 days since the defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, England began the UEFA Nations League under a new regime.

Interim coach Carsley made an impressive start at Ireland's Aviva Stadium.

Carsley, who has stepped up from coaching England's European champion under-21s, also represented Ireland as a player.

"We've shown that we've got real talent. We can be really pleased with the clean sheet as well," he said.

Rice, who won three senior caps for Ireland before making the hop across the Irish Sea, fired England ahead in the 11th minute. Grealish, who represented Ireland at youth level up to the U21s, doubled the lead 15 minutes later.

New Ireland coach Heimir Hallgrimsson hoped to enjoy another win against England, following his stint as co-manager during Iceland's famous round-of-16 win over the Three Lions at Euro 2016. But, even though England failed to build on its first half superiority after the break, it was a routine win for Carsley.

Agencies