England media reacts after what ‘head-spinning’ Liverpool star Jones did
Curtis Jones caused a stir in England’s 3-1 defeat to Senegal.
Thomas Tuchel’s side rode their luck to beat Andorra (7 June) and once again they were not up to scratch at the City Ground and continued to struggle.
The Liverpool man started as a makeshift right-back in the first match of the international break but he was a second-half substitute on this occasion.
Against the African side, he was utilised in a sort of false nine role, the kind which allowed Roberto Firmino to shine at Anfield.
Jones slammed after what he did away from Liverpool
The Reds star enjoyed a sensational campaign under Arne Slot but his fortunes were very different at the international level.
Jones put in a superb performance on Saturday, but he could not replicate that in a different position this time around when he came on after 58 minutes and gave the ball away for the third goal.
talkSPORT handed him a 3/10 rating, saying: “Curtis Jones had a second-half cameo off the bench to forget and was ‘massively at fault’ for Senegal’s third, so it was perhaps fitting Durham gave him a 3/10 rating.”
The Telegraph handed him a 4/10 rating, saying: “The midfielder’s head must be spinning. Started as a right-back against Andorra and then came on as a split false nine at the City Ground. Badly at fault for Senegal’s third.”
The Independent also gave him a 4/10, saying: “An early shot after coming on, but a defensive mistake saw Senegal score their third.”
GOAL were a bit more generous, giving the 24-year-old a 5/10, saying: “One of three changes made just before the hour mark but had little impact.”
Liverpool should not take Jones showing seriously
The England star finally proved himself with the Reds this season, after years of looking like he was on the verge of a regular first-team berth.
Jones made 33 appearances in the Premier League title-winning season, notching three goals and three assists.
It clear to see that he is a very talented midfielder and his versatility and willingness to play out of position will serve him well in the future under Slot.
He will be desperate to forge a permanent starting role next season, but his latest display with the national team will not help his case.
However, the Reds should not put much into it, it was a poor performance all around and the Three Lions look extremely unorganised under the former Chelsea manager.
The German does not seem to have a clue of his players best positions and started Kyle Walker over former Merseyside star Trent Alexander-Arnold, which does not bode well for the upcoming World Cup.
Jones will be desperate to be a part of the squad for that tournament, so he needs to be playing for his club as often as possible.