Curtis Jones is in the England squad for the third time in his career, but the Liverpool star is finally set to take to the pitch in the Nations League double-header
Curtis Jones has given another pointed salute to Liverpool’s post-Klopp era as he prepares to make his senior England debut.
After failing to get on the pitch when involved in two previous squads, on-song Jones is almost certain to feature at some point as Lee Carsley’s side face Greece in Athens win Thursday night and Ireland at Wembley on Sunday. And Jones puts his rich vein of form down to Arne Slot ’s new Anfield regime.
The 23-year-old midfielder said: “I feel that I’m at the point now where I’m enjoying it the most that I have. I say that in terms of style of play that suits me and the love that I’m getting from the coaches and the staff all around.
“Arne and his staff have come in and the style of play and everything is changing – the the way we go and press and stuff. I think it suits me more. As a fresh start I’ll give it everything I can.
“I’m really enjoying it and the most important thing is that I’m playing with a smile on my face.”
While eight cry-offs and criticism of Thomas Tuchel’s delayed start date has taken the spotlight away from the importance of England’s Nations League double-header, it could be a massively significant few days for Jones.
He said: “I will approach the game trying to prove to everybody that I’m the player that they say I am – and the player that I’ve always been since I was a kid. I think this call-up is huge.”
And the self-assured Jones is confident he can deal with the hostile atmosphere if he is needed in Athens. He said: “I’ve played Champions League games, Premier League games. It’s exactly the same there – stadiums are packed, they’re loud, intense games, quick games, important games.
“My approach is just exactly the same. I go there, try and be me. I just try to play free with a free mind, try not to overthink anything.
“We go there needing to win and hopefully I’ll get my first cap, and hopefully I can be part of an important win.”
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