Jadon Sancho has revealed Raheem Sterling has taken he and Callum Hudson-Odoi under his wing for England, and says the Manchester City forward is an inspiration for the national team’s many young players.
The Borussia Dortmund teenager made his full debut for England on Friday night in the 5-0 win over Czech Republic, and set up Sterling’s first goal of the game. The two know each other from their time at City, but Sancho has been struck by how the 24-year-old has grown as a leader.
“He is just a great player,” Sancho said of Sterling. “He showed all the youngsters what it’s about. And I’m sure that he’s going to go far in his career and I’m just happy that I’m sharing a pitch with him.
“He’s all right, he’s cool. Obviously he speaks to me and Callum about what to do and what not to do and just gives us advice. He’s cool.
“It’s very good and especially because he is from London as well, he knows where I’m coming from. He’s been helping me a lot. But it’s not just him, it’s everyone else making me and Callum comfortable and making us feel welcome.”
1/14 Jordan Pickford – 6
A virtual spectator tonight, and he will have a solid England defence and a poor Czech attack to thank for that. Looked shaky though during a couple of the Czech half-chances.
Action Images via Reuters
2/14 Kyle Walker – 5
Got forward well as demonstrated by Sterling’s second, but was sloppy a couple of times when in his own half, with one error nearly leading to a Schick goal.
AP
3/14 Michael Keane – 6
Solid performance overall from the Everton man, putting some rather inconsistent displays with his club behind him, despite the nervy moments at the start of the second.
AP
4/14 Harry Maguire – 6
Looked unconcerned throughout despite Vydra’s pre-match comments, was the most assured of all the defenders.
AP
5/14 Ben Chilwell – 6
Did well in the first half to get forward and offer Sterling an option, and was largely adept at the back limiting the number of Czech chances.
Action Images via Reuters
6/14 Jordan Henderson – 6
Shielded the back four relatively well and was also one the receiving end of some mistimed tackles, but helped England maintain the balance in midfield.
Getty Images
7/14 Eric Dier – 5
Was in the wars early on both giving and receiving hefty challenges, and the one from Soucek saw him go off in the 17th minute for Barkley.
Getty Images
8/14 Dele Alli – 6
ot one of his finest nights, but was involved in some nice play around the box in the first half. Southgate was obviously wary of managing his fitness.
AFP/Getty Images
9/14 Jadon Sancho – 8
Showed us why Dortmund fans have been so eager to see him each game this season. He added a lovely assist for Sterling’s first and there were plenty of displays of silky skills too.
AFP/Getty Images
10/14 Harry Kane – 7
A great defence-splitting pass to put in Sancho for the opening goal, before powering home a penalty right on half-time. Wasn’t as influential in the second half but did the damage when it counted.
PA
11/14 Raheem Sterling – 9
His composure in front of goal is now clear for all to see, the second in particular a beautifully taken effort on the turn. He was a nuisance all night and he deserved his hat-trick, taking his tally to 24 in all competitions this season.
REUTERS
12/14 Ross Barkley – 6
Willing runner behind the defence and picked up some good positions in the box after coming on for Dier. Gave the likes of Dele Alli a great option
Getty Images
13/14 Declan Rice – 5
One man who looked like the occasion got to him after coming on with some hesitant touches, but is certainly one for the future.
Getty
14/14 Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6
Yet to make a Premier League start, but Hudson-Odoi carried on the good work down the left-hand side and was unlucky he did not end up with a goal, despite his heavy involvement in Kalas’ own goal.
Getty
1/14 Jordan Pickford – 6
A virtual spectator tonight, and he will have a solid England defence and a poor Czech attack to thank for that. Looked shaky though during a couple of the Czech half-chances.
Action Images via Reuters
2/14 Kyle Walker – 5
Got forward well as demonstrated by Sterling’s second, but was sloppy a couple of times when in his own half, with one error nearly leading to a Schick goal.
AP
3/14 Michael Keane – 6
Solid performance overall from the Everton man, putting some rather inconsistent displays with his club behind him, despite the nervy moments at the start of the second.
AP
4/14 Harry Maguire – 6
Looked unconcerned throughout despite Vydra’s pre-match comments, was the most assured of all the defenders.
AP
5/14 Ben Chilwell – 6
Did well in the first half to get forward and offer Sterling an option, and was largely adept at the back limiting the number of Czech chances.
Action Images via Reuters
6/14 Jordan Henderson – 6
Shielded the back four relatively well and was also one the receiving end of some mistimed tackles, but helped England maintain the balance in midfield.
Getty Images
7/14 Eric Dier – 5
Was in the wars early on both giving and receiving hefty challenges, and the one from Soucek saw him go off in the 17th minute for Barkley.
Getty Images
8/14 Dele Alli – 6
ot one of his finest nights, but was involved in some nice play around the box in the first half. Southgate was obviously wary of managing his fitness.
AFP/Getty Images
9/14 Jadon Sancho – 8
Showed us why Dortmund fans have been so eager to see him each game this season. He added a lovely assist for Sterling’s first and there were plenty of displays of silky skills too.
AFP/Getty Images
10/14 Harry Kane – 7
A great defence-splitting pass to put in Sancho for the opening goal, before powering home a penalty right on half-time. Wasn’t as influential in the second half but did the damage when it counted.
PA
11/14 Raheem Sterling – 9
His composure in front of goal is now clear for all to see, the second in particular a beautifully taken effort on the turn. He was a nuisance all night and he deserved his hat-trick, taking his tally to 24 in all competitions this season.
REUTERS
12/14 Ross Barkley – 6
Willing runner behind the defence and picked up some good positions in the box after coming on for Dier. Gave the likes of Dele Alli a great option
Getty Images
13/14 Declan Rice – 5
One man who looked like the occasion got to him after coming on with some hesitant touches, but is certainly one for the future.
Getty
14/14 Callum Hudson-Odoi – 6
Yet to make a Premier League start, but Hudson-Odoi carried on the good work down the left-hand side and was unlucky he did not end up with a goal, despite his heavy involvement in Kalas’ own goal.
Getty
Sancho linked up well with Sterling for the first goal of the game, sending in the cross from which the City forward scored the opening strike of his hat-trick.
“It was an easy goal and anyone would have wanted an easy goal… that’s what happens, if you show it on the pitch. And his numbers are crazy this year, so I’m happy for him.”
Sancho was surprised to get a first cap so quickly, but was mildly disappointed with his own display – despite rave reviews.
“It could have gone better. Obviously my one-v-ones weren’t as sharp today but I’m just happy that I’m on the pitch and starting in my first competitive game and happy to assist the first goal. I’ve just got a lot of improvements to do off the pitch and I’m sure the next game, Montenegro, if I get my chance I’ll do better.
“I didn’t think it was going to come this quickly. But it just shows again if you get your chance and you do well, anything is possible. I’m just happy I got chosen to be a part of this team and I’m really grateful.”
Sancho feels that is the greater lesson from England’s supreme display – to just give youth a chance. He revelled linking up with his old underage teammate Hudson-Odoi.
“It’s an amazing feeling playing with Callum, I’ve always played with him through the youth [levels] so it’s nice to have a close friend with me on the pitch and he will be proud of obviously making his debut at Wembley. I’m sure his family will be proud and I’m just happy for him that everyone is doing well.
“It just shows that if you give youngsters a chance they have got something to prove and Callum is doing that at Chelsea. That’s why he is in the squad today, because the coach believes in him, he’s very good at one-v-ones and that’s what we need him for.”