Steven Gerrard has jokingly called for the FA to be fined following England’s win against Greece.
It was an excellent night for the Three Lions, after they delivered a 3-0 victory in Athens despite missing several star names.
Harry Kane criticised his international teammates ahead of the Nations League fixture, after interim manager Lee Carsley was faced with nine players withdrawing from the squad.
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Kane himself was then left on the bench in Greece as Carsley chose to give some different names their time in the spotlight.
He was duly rewarded when Ollie Watkins, who led the line in his place, scored inside seven minutes, and England found the net twice more after half time to run out 3-0 winners.
Curtis Jones scored the third with a brilliant back heel on his England debut, and the Liverpool man impressed throughout as he controlled the game from the centre of the park.
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His excellent display didn’t come as a shock to Gerrard though, who took to his Instagram stories to share his thoughts.
Gerrard posted: “What a player. Fine the FA and all the coaches for being so late,” alongside a series of heart emojis.
The 23-year-old Jones could have made his first England appearance last month, but withdrew from the squad due to the birth of his first child.
And Carsley insisted he was also not surprised by Jones’ standout display when he was handed the start this time.
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He told ITV: "It's not surprising, Curtis is an outstanding player and I thought he played really well today even without his goal. With his goal, it was an excellent performance so I'm really delighted for him."
Carsley, who is in charge for his final England camp before Thomas Tuchel takes over as manager in the new year, admitted that he was pleased that Jones and others seized their chance to impress against Greece.
“It was important that the players played to their strength. It was about players getting an opportunity and we saw that tonight,” he added.
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“Curtis is an outstanding player and I am delighted for him.”
England return to Nations League action at the weekend, when they take on the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday evening.
Topics: England, Steven Gerrard, Curtis Jones, Liverpool
Alex Chivers