Jack Grealish emotional after making England debut in Nations League draw with Denmark

Grealish was a second-half substitute in 0-0 draw

Jack Grealish shakes hands with manager Gareth Southgate (PA)

Jack Grealish admitted he was “emotional” as he was asked to come on and make his debut in England’s Nations league draw with Denmark on Tuesday evening.

Grealish was a second-half substitute in 0-0 draw, bring some much-needed energy and direct running to an otherwise drab England performance. 

"I was actually a bit emotional," the Aston Villa captain said afterwards. "It is something that you dream of, every child in England dreams of it since they were a little kid - playing for the England senior team. I was so privileged coming on and it was a shame we couldn't win in the end.

"I want to thank Gareth himself for giving me the opportunity and I hope it is the first of many. My first involvement, well I'm a bit gutted to be honest because I went on a little run and should have pulled the trigger or picked someone out."

Asked what he thought of Phil Foden and Mason Greenwood’s indescretions last week, Grealish empathised.

"I've tried not to look into it too much to be honest," Grealish – who broke lockdown rules earlier in the year – replied when asked about the issues in Iceland.

"Phil and Mason are young kids who will learn as they get older. I have been there myself but I have tried not to focus on that too much, it is my first camp myself. They are two young lads, both brilliant kids and I'm sure they will learn from what they have done."