“Fine the FA and all the coaches for being so late” - Steven Gerrard reacts to performance from Liverpool star Curtis Jones in England win over Greece
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has joked that the FA should be fined for delaying Curtis Jones' England debut. The 23-year-old was started for the Three Lions in their 3-0 win over Greece in the URFA Nations League on Thursday, November 14.
England started the game well, with Ollie Watkins giving them the lead as early as the seventh minute in Athens. An unfortunate Odysseas Vlachodimos own goal doubled the lead for the visitors before Jones made history in the 83rd minute.
The Liverpool midfielder found the back of the net with a fine backheel flick to make it 3-0 for his team. Jones became the first Liverpool player to score on his England debut since Sammy Lee - who also scored away to Greece - in 1982.
He attempted 68 passes in the game with a 96 percent passing accuracy, won seven duels, and won back the possession seven times. Jones also registered four tackles and one interception and won two fouls.
Reds legend Steven Gerrard took to social media to appreciate his compatriot, writing:
“What a player. Fine the FA and all the coaches for being so late," wrote Gerrard.
Curtis Jones has been in and out of Liverpool's starting XI under Arne Slot this season. He has one goal and four assists from 13 games across competitions, seven of which have been starts.
How many goals has Curtis Jones scored for Liverpool so far?
Curtis Jones rose through the ranks at Liverpool and made his first team debut in 2018. He has since appeared 146 times across competitions for the Reds, registering 17 goals and 18 assists.
He was a part of the England Under-21 national team that won the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. It was the first time the Young Lions had won the tournament since 1984.
Jones, interestingly, was adjudged the Man of the Match in the final against Spain. He was also credited with the winning goal after Cole Palmer's free-kick was deflected off him into the net.
The Liverpool man was called up to the senior side for the first time in May this year, as part of the preliminary squad for Euro 2024. Unfortunately, he couldn't make the 26-man final squad for the tournament.
While he hasn't been able to nail down a permanent place in Arne Slot's squad, the midfielder remains highly regarded at the club. His contract with the Reds runs until 2027.