Pundit refuses to join in praise for Grealish after Belgium loss

Dave Tindall

Danny Mills is questioning the praise thrown at Jack Grealish following England’s loss to Belgium in the Nations League at the weekend.

The 2-0 defeat at Leuven’s Den Dreef stadium ended England’s hopes of a place in the finals.

But while the result was disappointing, Grealish came out with credit.

England boss Gareth Southgate had previously been accused of not giving Grealish enough game time. And there were many who wondered if he just didn’t see the Villa star as part of his plans.

But Southgate was effusive in his praise after the match.

He said: “He had an absolutely outstanding game. Jack has really impressed us with his approach.

“Since he came in he’s been curious about what we are looking for from him. And he has taken it into training.

“Tonight he has taken his club form into a game against one of the top international teams in the world.

“He stood up to as tough an opponent as you are going to face.”

Sky Sports pundits Ashley Cole and Jamie Redknapp were also quick to pick out Grealish as England’s star man.

However, former England right-back Mills had a very different take.

Grealish’s end product has gone up several notches at Aston Villa this season. But Mills is saving his praise until he does the same for England.

Replying to an Instagram post, Mills made his feelings clear.

Stadium Astro said: “Jack Grealish, what a baller!”

Mills responded with a list of failures before a sarcastic sign off.

Mills has criticised Grealish previously

This isn’t the first time Mills has wondered what the fuss is about.

Speaking in September, Mills questioned where Grealish would fit in. He concluded that the midfielder had much more to prove.

“He might get a little cameo, but I don’t think he’ll play a huge part,” said Mills after Grealish was called into the squad for the first time.

“People keep saying: ‘Why is he not in the squad?’. Well, he’s not good enough, because if he was good enough, Gareth would have picked him. It’s as simple as that.

“He might get a cameo, but in what position? It might have to be in the wide forward positions.

“I don’t think Gareth and the England coaching staff see him as disciplined enough on the pitch to do a job.

“We’re not talking about Iceland and Denmark. You’re looking when you get to quarter-finals, semi-finals when you’re playing against Germany, Spain and France, can you hold that role?