‘I play with more freedom’: Jack Grealish on key differences between England and Man City roles

Jack Grealish believes his role with England and Manchester City differs significantly with the winger indicating he has more ‘freedom’ when with his national side.

The 26-year-old came off the bench in the Three Lions 1-1 draw with Germany in their Nations League clash on Tuesday and impressed.

He has been subject to some criticism for his performances for Manchester City last season after scoring goals and four assists in 39 appearances.

However, there could be a reason behind this with the winger’s role thinking his role for club and country differ.

"I do feel like I play with a lot more freedom here [with England],” Grealish said to the media, via BBC Sport.

"That’s what the manager [Gareth Southgate] asked me to do - go on and be myself and try to create and that’s what I did."

Grealish joined City from Aston Villa last summer for £100m - a record Premier League fee - and is hoping to transfer his form for the Three Lions into his performances for the Sky Blues.

"I do think that, yeah,” Grealish said when asked if he has more freedom for England than City.

“I feel at times I’ve played a bit safe at City - but when I come here [England], I feel like even in training, I train really well, score goals, get assists and whatnot.

"When I come on the pitch… it’s hard to explain. I do feel like I play with a lot more freedom here and hopefully I can transfer that into my club football and keep on improving."

The winger was part of City’s title winning side last season - the first piece of silverware of his career - and will be hoping to impress Gareth Southgate in order to earn a spot in his World Cup squad.

He has earned 22 caps for the Three Lions to date and is in line for another if he features against Italy on Saturday.