In a rare moment of humor that blends his iconic leadership style with genuine admiration, Steven Gerrard has jokingly called for the Football Association (FA) and England’s coaching staff to be “fined” after the sensational debut of Curtis Jones in the national team’s 3-0 victory over Greece.
The 23-year-old Liverpool midfielder announced himself in style, netting a superb goal that marked his first cap for the Three Lions, and in doing so, Gerrard was quick to offer a tongue-in-cheek critique of the England setup.
Jones’ stellar performance, which included a stunning flicked finish from a Morgan Gibbs-White cross, has left fans and pundits alike marveling at his potential. For Gerrard, however, it was also an opportunity to humorously poke fun at the national team’s delay in recognizing the midfielder’s talents. In an Instagram story posted following the match, the former Liverpool captain wrote, “Fine the FA and all the coaches for being late,” with a winking emoji, a playful nod to the fact that many believed Jones should have been called up to the senior team much sooner.
Jones’ performance against Greece came as no surprise to those who have followed his recent rise at Anfield under the guidance of manager Arne Slot. The midfielder has been in superb form for Liverpool, a run of performances that seamlessly translated onto the international stage. Gerrard, who worked with Jones during his time in charge of Liverpool’s U-18s, is clearly proud of the young player’s development. While his comment about the FA and coaches was made in jest, it reflects a deeper frustration with the way some emerging English talents have been overlooked for too long.
While Gerrard’s humorous remark might have stolen the spotlight, the plaudits didn’t stop there. Interim England manager Lee Carsley, who oversaw the match against Greece, was also full of praise for Jones, noting that his performance was exemplary even before factoring in his goal. “Curtis Jones is an outstanding player,” Carsley told ITV post-match. “He played really well, even without his goal. With his goal, it was an excellent performance.” The England boss went on to highlight the collective strength of the squad, praising their maturity despite a relative lack of experience at the international level. “People were speaking last night about the inexperience in the squad, but these players are playing for their clubs at a really high level,” he added.
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Jones himself was quick to acknowledge the collective effort of his teammates, especially Jude Bellingham, who played a key role in giving Jones the freedom to attack. “If you’ve got a team like ours, like that, I can go high, I can come low, I can get on the ball, I can play,” Jones explained after the match. “There’s lads there to help, there’s also lads who said I can go as well. Jude stayed back and I saw I had a chance to go. That’s what I did, and luckily enough I scored.” His humility and appreciation for his teammates’ support were evident, as he spoke with genuine joy about the experience. “I just went out there, I was playing free, I had a smile on my face, I was enjoying it, and I’m happy that I came away with a goal as well.”
What many may not realize, however, is just how pivotal Gerrard’s influence has been on Jones’ career. The young midfielder has spoken in the past about how the Liverpool legend’s tough love helped him develop a winning mentality. In an earlier interview, Jones recalled how Gerrard’s direct feedback during his time with the U-18s at Liverpool changed his mindset. “I feel like Steven was the one who came in and made me really think, ‘Look, if I lock all the way in, now I can go to the top,’” Jones reflected, praising the former captain’s ability to deliver constructive criticism.
One memorable incident that stands out in Jones’ mind occurred after a pre-season tour when Gerrard pulled the whole team aside for one-on-one evaluations. “He got the whole team in on a one-to-one and he’d been speaking about the things you did well and what you needed to improve. I’ll never forget it,” Jones said. While he didn’t reveal all the details, it was clear that Gerrard’s words weren’t sugarcoated. In fact, Jones admitted that it was a challenging experience. “I don’t want to say what he said – it was good but it was not nice. It wasn’t nice. It was like the harsh truths,” he added.
One particularly powerful lesson came when Liverpool suffered a defeat to Fulham, and Gerrard took Jones aside to discuss his response to a particular incident in the match. Jones had been fouled, with an opposition player standing over him while he was on the ground. When Jones admitted he couldn’t remember what he did in that moment, Gerrard’s response was blunt: “Well, I’ll tell you, you did nothing!” This moment stuck with Jones, who recalls it as a defining moment in his development. “That really made me think,” Jones admitted, “This is my club, there are people like you who have played your whole life here, and now you’re back as a coach. You want to give your all to the club, and I need to be the same.”
That lesson in mentality, that harsh yet vital truth, seems to have had a profound effect on Jones’ approach to the game. He now understands the responsibility that comes with being part of a big club like Liverpool and representing his country. It’s no surprise that Jones’ self-awareness and maturity were on full display in his England debut against Greece. The sense of freedom that he expressed after the match – the ability to “go high, go low” on the pitch – is a direct reflection of the confidence that he’s gained from years of guidance from coaches like Gerrard.
For those who have watched Jones’ progression from his early days at Liverpool’s academy, his meteoric rise is no accident. It is the product of hard work, a willingness to improve, and crucially, the right mentorship. Gerrard’s impact on Jones’ career cannot be overstated, with the former England captain playing a pivotal role in helping the young talent unlock his potential. As Jones continues to make a name for himself on the international stage, it’s clear that the future is bright for the midfielder, both for club and country.
As for Gerrard, his playful comment about the FA and coaches aside, there is an undeniable pride in watching Jones flourish. It’s a proud moment not just for the player, but for the coach who played a pivotal role in shaping his mindset and helping him reach the top. In the end, it’s clear that the England squad may have been late to embrace Curtis Jones, but his impressive debut against Greece proves they’ll be glad they did.
