Southgate's Hope Now Rests On Grealish's Shoulders

England national team attacking midfielder Jack Grealish (right) evades Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - England national team head coach Gareth Southgate predicts Jack Grealish will shine with The Three Lions' squad, after being judged to have performed brilliantly in the match against the UEFA Nations League against Belgium.

In the match in Leuven on Sunday, November 15, Grealish, who made his first appearance since the start of the match with England, was considered the best performer even though Belgium ended up winning 2-0.

The presence of Grealish, who was considered to be troublesome for the Belgian defense in that match, was considered by Southgate to have created a new pillar for the England national team which was often seen as dependent on Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling.

"In the last four years we have tried to be able to make this hope be borne collectively, not a burden on Kane or Raheem Sterling alone," said Southgate.

"We have to ensure the same for Jack. He's started his international career brilliantly and I think he can cope with the attention that is coming, he does well under pressure."

"He has the courage to control the ball, so I don't think it will affect him. Overall, the teamwork and the whole squad must collectively produce success," he added.

England will next host Iceland in the final match of the UEFA Nations League Division A Group 2 (A2) to be able to close the continental nation's league sweetly, even though they have no chance of qualifying for the last four.

England are left third in the standings with a collection of seven points five points behind leading Belgium (12) and will compete for a top-four ticket with Denmark (10) in other matches.