Grealish: 'You're a superstar'

England star Jack Grealish has shared a humorous childhood story as he tries to inspire the next generation of young footballers.

The win over Czech Republic which helped England finish top of Group D saw Grealish’s first tournament start for his country. He capped the night off by assisting Raheem Sterling's winning goal, in front of his family who were watching on at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.

Fresh off the back of his latest career highlight, Grealish became the latest guest on the Lions’ Den on Friday. 

And asked what track he would use for a compilation video of his own best moments as a footballer, he replied: “Do you know what? The tune ‘You’re a Superstar’ [by Love Inc.].

“When I was young, I used to go to games and my dad used to play that to me. He used to put it on in the car. I’d be in the back and it used to just tell me that I’m a superstar! That song reminds me of my dad. I like listening to stuff like that when I’m watching football videos.”

The Aston Villa captain then spoke to fans on the EE Interactive Fans Wall, which is open to members of My England Football.

England fan Charlie, a youth football coach from Lincoln, asked Grealish what advice he would give to youngsters who dream of a career as a footballer.

Grealish said: “I see a lot of people these days going too much into training. I have young cousins who all say that they want to be like me and do what I’ve done. I just say to them: ‘Go out there and enjoy yourself’. I know it’s an easy thing to say, but nowadays people are too critical and want to train people too much.

“When I was young, my Dad honestly never [got critical]. No matter how bad I played, he knew that I never meant to play bad. So he’d never have a go at me — he’d always encourage me and just say to me: ‘Go and enjoy it’.

"That’s one thing that I was thankful for. He always supported me and over the last couple of weeks I’ve said how much my parents have helped me to become a footballer.”

Emily from Ipswich asked Grealish how important it is that England’s senior men’s side inspire young girls as well as boys. Grealish responded by saying: “It’s massive. Women’s football is really kicking on. It’s really improving and hopefully we can give [young female footballers] the lift and the inspiration that is needed.”