Jack Grealish reveals bet he made to Trent Alexander-Arnold before Liverpool star's stunning free-kick for England
Today at 03:28 PM
Jack Grealish has revealed he owes Trent Alexander-Arnold £500 after the Liverpool star’s superb free-kick against Finland.
Alexander-Arnold scored England’s second goal in their Nations League victory over Finland on Sunday, a delightful free-kick as he curled the ball into the top left-hand corner of the goal.
It turns out the Liverpool star was given the added incentive of earning some extra money moments before he struck the ball.
“I said, as a joke, if you score this I’ll give you five hundred quid – and he just slapped it in the top bin. I owe him,” Grealish told ITV.
Grealish put England 1-0 up at half time with a low finish after Angel Gomes played an incisive through ball to him.
Declan Rice added a third with six minutes to go before Arttu Hoskonen scored a late consolation for the hosts as England returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win after the upset at home to Greece.
“I think we could have had a few more, especially towards the end when the game opened up,” added Grealish.
“It was difficult at times in the first half. At the end I think we are bit gutted as players to concede from a set-piece. We needed a win today so happy with that.”
Grealish dismissed the criticism aimed at interim boss Carsley following their Wembley setback.
“I don’t think it’s been difficult. Whatever happens with the England manager some people will always say negative stuff,” he said.
“I think before people were crying out for more so-called attacking players and we do it and it didn’t work for one game and there are a few people moaning.
“In my honest opinion I don’t get it. It can happen in games. He’s a top manager, brilliant guy and I love playing for him.”
Whether Carsley wants the England job on a permanent basis has been the big talking point since the defeat to Greece.
In the build-up to the Finland clash, Carsley told talkSPORT that he hasn’t formally applied for the job and his post-match comments suggest he may not proceed with submitting one to the Football Association.
“I’ve not really thought much about it [staying on],” he told ITV.
“I keep saying the same thing. My remit was six games and I’m happy with that. This is a privileged position.
“I’m really enjoying it but I didn’t enjoy the last two days. I’m not used to losing in an England team, I don’t take losing well.
“People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I’m in the middle. My bosses have made it clear what they need from me.
“This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that.”
