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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Neil Moxley

Jack Grealish warns England team-mates about Wales mentality in World Cup decider

Jack Grealish warned his England team-mates that Wales still think they can escape from Group B.

Manchester City's forward believes that the Three Lions will have to deal with more than just Welsh fire on Tuesday. He said: “Wales have got some very good players. They won’t be playing just for pride.

“In their heads, they’re not out of this. They still have one game left to play and they can still qualify. It’s going to be difficult for them - but they can still get out of the group. We have a few days to prepare now, it’s in our hands.”

Grealish was brought on as a second-half substitute during the stalemate with the Americans and, although he showed flashes, couldn’t fashion a breakthrough. He said that value of the draw might only be recognised as the tournament progresses.

He added: “When you look back to the Euros we had exactly the same situation where we won the first game, a tough game against Croatia, then drew the second against Scotland, also a 0-0.

“We got to the final that time around. But you have these games, you know. We probably lacked a bit of quality in the final third. Even for me, coming on, it was difficult because the game is going on at such a fast pace.

Jack Grealish is wary of Wales on Tuesday (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

"It’s one of those games that has so much energy in it. You’re playing in this heat and played only three days ago. Sometimes you have games like that where it’s just difficult.

“And you shouldn’t underestimate the USA. They’re a good side, very energetic. They have very good attackers, Christian Pulisic, in particular.

"These games happen. I’m not going to say we were awful, because I don’t think we were. The USA were really up for it. Honestly, we won’t be too down after that.”

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