[[Jack Grealish] admits breaking his international goal duck was in the back of his mind as he finally netted in England’s 5-0 World Cup qualifying win away to Andorra on Saturday.
Manchester City Grealish scored England’s fifth goal in the 86th minute, set up by a quick release from goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
The strike was 26-year-old Grealish’s first for his country, in his 16th appearance.
“In the back of my mind there has been that feeling that I’ve just wanted to score, just to get off the mark,” Grealish said after the game.
“Obviously I’ve done that tonight, I’m delighted and it’s a night I won’t forget.”
England boss Gareth Southgate used Grealish off the bench again, introducing him in the 72nd minute.
Grealish made a quick impact, winning his side a penalty, which was converted on the rebound by James Ward-Prowse, before his goal.
“I want to be starting games, to be starting the biggest of games and keep playing for England,” he said.
“Luckily over the past few months and during the European Championships I’ve had the chance to do that.”
Southgate admitted Grealish’s goal duck was beginning to become a “thing”, so he was glad to put that to bed.
“The longer the number of caps stack up and the goals column stays blank, it can become a thing,” Southgate said.
The result means England are closer to clinch qualification for the 2022 World Cup from Group I, holding a four-point lead from second-placed Albania with three group games left.
