Curtis Jones reaction says everything about outrageous England debut goal

Liverpool star Curtis Jones scored a silky goal on his England debut, and the midfielder couldn't quite believe how good the finish was.

Jones wheeled away in celebration before embracing teammate Morgan Gibbs-White, who found him inside the area to put England 3-0 up against Greece. The ball was behind Jones, but the midfielder intelligently improvised and backheeled the ball past Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Co-commentator Lee Dixon called Jones a "genius" on the ITV broadcast, as he said: "It's a brilliant flick. It's just genius. He knows it's in from the minute he does it. He's watching from the far end of the goal. Superb bit of skill. He's played well."

Jones is the first Liverpool player to score on his England debut since Sammy Lee back in November 1982. Lee's goal also came against Greece while away from home.

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It ended a strong England performance, as the Three Lions eventually wore Greece down after taking an early lead. Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins scored after seven minutes to put England ahead, but Greece became tough to break down and even threatened to tie the game.

England finally found a second goal after 77 minutes, as Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham saw his effort bounce off the base of the left post and ricochet into the net off Vlachodimos. It was a lucky breakthrough for England, but six minutes later Jones put the game beyond Greece.

It was a delayed England debut for Jones, who was initially called up to the squad by interim head coach Lee Carsley in October. However, he was forced to withdraw due to the birth of his daughter and put off making his first appearance for the Three Lions.

Jones was first called up to the squad ahead of Euro 2024 this summer, but then-head coach Gareth Southgate trimmed his provisional roster and left the Liverpool midfielder out. It's been a long time coming for Jones, although he's stepped up a level since Arne Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

Former Ireland and Manchester United star Roy Keane said before the game that Jones deserved his opportunity, and said on ITV: "I think he's matured along nicely. He's done well under age and Lee Carsley trusts him, he's worked with him before.

"His club team are playing really well, top of the the league - and his form is looking really good. We talk about energy, his stats - do you know, give him an opportunity It's a test for him tonight. It's very rarely you get a chance at international and it's a must-win game for England. So it's a big opportunity. We'll see how he deals with that."

Former England and Arsenal star Ian Wright added: "He [Carsley] did say he's going to play him a bit deeper. He can deal with that. He can play that, play 8 and arrive late to the box, see him play 10 as well - where he can put the ball through into runners. I'm excited for him. He deserves his chance."