Micah Richards hails ‘energetic’ Aston Villa star and ‘extraordinary’ Liverpool midfielder

Former Villa and Manchester City right-back Richards was impressed by the performances from Ollie Watkins and Curtis Jones during England’s comfortable 3-0 victory away at Greece on Thursday night.

The Three Lions were only the narrow favourites for the Nations League clash after losing to Greece at Wembley Stadium last month, but Lee Carsley’s men caused a shock by running out victors by a considerable margin within the famous walls of Stadium at Olympia.

Richards, who won 13 England caps himself during his playing days, believes Carsley’s bold call to leave out Harry Kane in favour of Watkins paid off. “I thought Ollie Watkins played really well with his overall game because we know Harry Kane was on the bench and there was a lot of talk about that,” Richards told The Rest is Football.

“In terms of the press, the way England press is sort of a 4-4-2 like we’ve seen with Villa this season, Bellingham was going close to him [Watkins] and everyone knew their jobs. I just thought we looked a bit more energetic, it allowed us to win the ball up high and get it wide as soon as possible. I was really impressed with his performance.”

Watkins led the line in exemplary fashion before Kane eventually made his way onto the field in the second half but one man who played the full 90 minutes was Jones. You would never have known it was the Liverpool midfielder’s senior debut as he looked composed and confident throughout.

“Curtis Jones was extraordinary, that’s one of the best England debuts I’ve ever seen,” Richards said.

“When you go to England, sometimes the pace is a little bit slower and you play the easy pass. But if you look at Curtis Jones’ body positions, he was always available for the ball every time.

“When you play in that pivot - the number six - you don’t always have to be dribbling past people, breaking the lines, playing that fantastic pass. It’s about being available for the ball and him in that role, he can be that person who’s not afraid. He showed me his character, how fearless he can be.

“I spoke to Daniel Sturridge and he said he’s one of the best technical players he ever played with and now he’s starting to see it on a regular basis. I think the confidence from Liverpool is really helping him but going international, it really felt like he was at home.”