Jack Grealish ‘thriving’ off Paul Gascoigne comparisons for England

The Aston Villa star has been sensational for Gareth Southgate’s side

Jack Grealish says he is ‘thriving’ off Paul Gascoigne comparisons (Getty)

Jack Grealish insists he is “thriving” off comparisons with legendary England midfielder Paul Gascoigne.

The Aston Villa star has shone for England during the international break, demonstrating his potential to become a player capable of creating and scoring goals at the highest level.

His sensational form has seen many compare him to Gazza, as he is known to England fans, who became one of the world’s most in-demand players after taking over the 1990 World Cup in Italy, and Grealish believes he can justify the comparisons.

"I thrive off those kind of comparisons (to Gascoigne)," Grealish told reporters after England eased to a 4-0 win over Iceland in their final Nations League group game on Wednesday.

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"I love the way he played football with all the freedom and all the joy... I want to entertain people but I always want to be effective on the pitch like Gazza was too."

Grealish, 25, burst onto the scene in the Premier League early in his career, but faced media scrutiny after a number of late night incidents.

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He says he has matured since then and can handle the pressure that comes with his new-found England profile. He was voted man of the match on Wednesday.

"I think I'm now old enough and wise enough to handle that (pressure) now," the Aston Villa player said.

"As you get older, you learn you are a hero to a lot of people and you are a role model ... I've got to take it in my stride, and I'm just loving my life."

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