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Jack Grealish has jokingly picked out one flaw in England star Jude Bellingham.
The Borussia Dortmund man has been shining for the Three Lions in Qatar, dominating the midfield in every game he has played.
He scored England’s first goal of the 2022 World Cup against Iran, before setting up his team’s opening goal in the 3-0 round of 16 win over Senegal.
But Bellingham’s teammate Grealish has joked that the youngster isn’t perfect, with the former once playing for Birmingham and the latter once playing for rivals Aston Villa.
“He’s brilliant,” said Grealish, as reported by the Independent. “He’s got everything – the only thing that he hasn’t got is he isn’t a Villa fan, he is a bluenose, you can’t have everything can you!”
Grealish predicted teammate would shine
On a more serious note, Manchester City attacker Grealish says he knew Bellingham would have a tournament to remember.
Grealish has largely played a supporting role in Qatar, but Bellingham has been one of England’s regulars. The central midfielder has started all four games so far.
He looks set to remain a key player for Gareth Southgate in the round of 16 tie with France on Saturday, with Grealish saying there will be plenty more to come from the England youngster.
“He is a top, top lad, honestly he is such a good guy,” said Grealish. “So mature in the way he plays, he can defend, he can tackle, he can run with the ball, he can score goals – he can do everything, honestly.
“Me personally, I knew he would shine at this tournament, honestly. I just knew he would, I think in the past year he has definitely got a lot, lot better.
“I’d like to say he’s matured, but he’s only 19 so you could say that, but I feel like he’s matured in the way plays, he’s so disciplined and stuff and like I said, the kid can just do everything with a ball.
“I don’t want to put too much pressure on him because we have other brilliant players, Phil as well, who’s world-class, but he’s a brilliant lad and he’s so important for us already. He’s only 19 and I’m sure he’s got his whole career ahead of him, but if he just keeps going the way he is he will be absolutely frightening.”
Grealish aware of competition for places
Grealish has been largely forced to watch his teammates from the bench, with the winger getting just 80 minutes in the tournament so far.
Those minutes have come across four substitute appearances, with the attacker netting in the opener against Iran. The Man City man is desperate for more action, but has admitted he has a huge battle on his hands when it comes to a starting role.
“I would love to start every game and play 90 minutes, but I’m also aware of the talent around me in my position, there is so much talent in those wide areas,” said Grealish.
“Whatever my job is here, I’m happy to do. I’m not going to sit here and just say I want to be on the bench, but I would never be sitting there and being like a bad egg because I’m not playing.”
And we carry on let’s go boys!!! 😍🏴 pic.twitter.com/IgaQxaZpfj
— Jack Grealish (@JackGrealish) December 4, 2022
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