Astute management and enjoyment at the heart of Sancho’s first England start

The first player born this century to play for England, Jadon Sancho added to his 12 minute substitute debut against Croatia last month with an accomplished first start for his country. He even logged an assist on his first start, teeing up Trent Alexander-Arnold as Gareth Southgate’s men beat the USA 3-0.

A game against a young United States team that was overshadowed by the farewell of Wayne Rooney and the debate that ensued was perhaps the perfect time for Gareth Southgate to hand Sancho his maiden appearance in the starting XI. He was allowed to get on with it.

Debuts for Brighton defender Lewis Dunk and Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson also helped deflect attention, especially once the latter got a debut goal to make it 3-0.

A situation and a game in which Southgate and the Football Association were facing some criticism for, accused of making a slight mockery of a cap, looks an astute bit of management in retrospect.

Ronaldinho was named as a childhood hero for the 18-year-old and the former Brazilian great’s influence was on show. A combination of close control and quick feet had the Americans reeling slightly whenever he picked up the ball.

The influence of his club was also on show as the young lion looks to be walking the same path as club teammate Christian Pulisic, whose influence on the USMNT is becoming more prominent as is his star continues to rise at Bundesliga-topping Borussia Dortmund.

At that club, Sancho is also making a name for himself, as well as demonstrating that there is more to be a young English footballer than rotting in Premier League academies or being farmed out on loan relentlessly, only to be used to turn a profit.

It was not only clever management by Southgate on show this evening, but also the quality management at club level which has led the London-born youngster for this moment.

Although tender in his years, Sancho displayed a level of personal management which many his age will not have developed yet. Talking with Sky Sports he said,

“I felt like I was ready for first-team football, so I wanted to do something different.

“It’s helped me a lot being a regular, but coming to Dortmund at such a young age, seeing how they were before and after, it’s helped me become more mature on the pitch.”

Within the first ten minutes of the game his link up play with Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli was encouraging, even if the early results of their passing didn’t lead Brad Guzan being worked in the USA goal.

For just 18-years-old the young man from an estate on Kennington, south London, did not look exposed perhaps because logging 788 minutes for a table-topping club at the highest level will prepare a young mind for these moments.

His night might have been even better. With just 20 minutes played Sancho linked up excellently with Alli and Ben Chilwell with a neat triangle down the left. Bursting into the penalty area, Sancho unselfishly tried to square it to the onrushing Jesse Lingard but the chance was snuffed out.

That he didn’t score was hardly the point, the freedom with which the dribbled his way into the position was encouraging. He was enjoying it. The stage was never going to be too big.

Overall, the game was flat with a sparse attendance at Wembley only coming to life when Wayne Rooney came on for the final half an hour to mark his England farewell. Before then, however, Sancho was the man injecting small amounts of fizz into the game with every touch.

Southgate’s overhaul of the national squad is still taking shape. Sancho has a key part to play in that for years to come. But, for now, he should be allowed to simply enjoy his football.

At a time when the turnover of playing and coaching staff is so volatile, it is vital that astute management and enjoyment continues to be the focal point of Sancho’s development.

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