England’s Jack Grealish reveals he urged officials NOT to send off Serge Aurier

Jack Grealish has revealed he asked the referee not to send off Serge Aurier in England’s win over Ivory Coast because it was a better ‘challenge’ for the Three Lions to play 11 v 11.  

England strolled to a 3-0 win at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday with OIlie Watkins, Raheem Sterling and Tyrone Mings the scorers.  

But Grealish, who dazzled for Gareth Southgate‘s side, has now confirmed just why he was so irritated with the referee when Aurier was shown a red card in the first half.   

Jack Grealish urged the referee not to send off Ivory Coast full-back Serge Aurier at Wembley

The former Tottenham full-back (right) was shown a straight red card during Tuesday’s friendly

‘I wanted [Serge Aurier] to stay on because it’s a friendly and you get more from playing against 11,’ Grealish told Sky Sports. 

‘I think it would have been more of a challenge for us. I said to the referee “come on!”‘

Grealish, a £100million pick-up by Manchester City last summer, has had a mixed season but is ascending at the right time for Southgate and strengthened his case for a key role in Qatar against Ivory Coast.

Grealish (left) felt it ruined the ‘challenge’ for England and he wanted it to remain as 11 v 11

It was Grealish who teed up Sterling for his goal and while the red card ‘changed things completely’ for England, it was a positive step forward.  

‘I thought it was a good performance from us,’ Grealish added. ‘We knew it would be difficult to start but the red card changed things completely. 

‘It was a different type of game to what we’re used to playing. It was a good performance from the team and I’m happy with mine too. 

‘I asked Raheem Sterling if there was any chance he was passing to me before (he scored)! No, I’m just happy to get goals and assists. They have been difficult to come by at Manchester City but with England I have got quite a few. I want to continue playing well because I’m really enjoying it.’

Asked if he has opened up on frustrations at his game with City boss Pep Guardiola, Grealish confirmed the Catalan has shown him ‘every other stat in the world’ to ease the worries around goals and assists.  

It was a positive display for Grealish (right) and he no doubt left his mark on Gareth Southgate

He continued: ‘Of course, I’ve spoken to Pep Guardiola. He’s shown me every other stat in the world that you would be happy with apart from goals and assists. 

‘He’s the only person I need to impress but if you’re a forward you want to get goals and assists so hopefully in the business end of the season I can get them.

‘It’s a brilliant time to be in my shoes. We’re in so many competitions still and then at the end of the year we have the World Cup. 

‘I need to keep impressing the manager to get into that squad.’