When the lights are switched off at Aston Villa’s Bodymoor Heath training ground and most players have gone home, the captain is not even thinking about clocking off.
Jack Grealish’s performance for England against Belgium proved what Villa coaches, players and fans have known for some time — this is a remarkable footballer who always had the talent and temperament to shine on the international stage, if only he would be given a chance.
What fewer people recognise is the ferocious dedication Grealish has shown to reach this level. building work at Villa’s training ground means players can no longer sleep on site, but when they could, Grealish would finish his session at lunchtime, grab a bite to eat and a couple of hours’ kip and head to the gym with close friend Oli Stevenson, Villa’s strength and conditioning coach, often staying until 7pm.