Jack the lad ‘can be our Gazza’

JACK GREALISH has been backed to be England’s star of the European Championship and light up the competition like Paul Gascoigne in 1996.

Former England international Jermaine Jenas believes the Aston Villa midfielder will be a key man at Wembley when the Three Lions kick-off their campaign against Croatia.

It was Gazza who captured the imaginations of supporters at Euro 96 with his incredible goal against Scotland followed by the infamous ‘dentist’s chair’ celebration.

‘This is Grealish’s moment,’ said Jenas, writing in his new column in The Mail on Sunday. ‘When tournament football comes around, you need a player who will get the crowd on their feet. Jack is built for the occasion. He will bring something England have not had for a while: someone who lights up the stadium.

‘You’ve got to have that ‘give-me-the-ball’ player. If we are to recreate that Euro 96 feeling, Grealish will be our Gazza. He’ll be the star.’