Man City star Jack Grealish responds to critics and England 'poster boy' image

Jack Grealish is relishing his role as England’s poster boy — even if he feels his critics are determined to tear him down.

The £100million signing capped off his debut season with Manchester City by winning his first Premier League title after a bruising battle with Liverpool. Grealish describes the feat as a 'dream come true' despite admitting he could have contributed more to Pep Guardiola's star-studded squad.

Now the 25-year-old turns his attention to England's Nations League clashes with Hungary, Germany and Italy, with the midfielder looking to kick on after emerging as a leading figure in Gareth Southgate's youthful squad. And Grealish insists he enjoys being in the spotlight and understands the pressure comes with being Britain's most-expensive footballer.

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"It's fine (being England's poster boy). It is what it is," he told Mirror Football.

"If that's what people think, that's fine. I think it's a good thing to have — and you just have to embrace it.

"I try not to let anything get to my head. It's all about enjoying it, as long as I'm enjoying myself, playing football and enjoying life off the pitch even; then I will perform well.

"Fingers crossed I can do that over the few weeks and few games." Grealish joined up with his England teammates having followed up his landmark campaign with an equally-memorable post-season party.

The charismatic former Aston Villa captain celebrated in style with his City teammates before jetting off to Ibiza — a holiday that inevitably attracted criticism from some. But Grealish will refuse to change his ways, adding: "I'm doing what I have loved doing my whole life.

"I'm the most expensive