Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter
Jadon Sancho wouldn't be playing for England if he'd have stayed at Manchester City , according to Jamie Redknapp .
The 18-year-old, who left City for Borussia Dortmund last summer, made his first start for his country in the friendly with the United States and impressed laying on an assist for Trent Alexander-Arnold's second goal.
Sancho is enjoying a stellar start to the season in the Bundesliga and Redknapp has praised his decision to leave English football in search of more first-team opportunities.
England vs USA player ratingsShow all 11 1 /11England vs USA player ratings England vs USA player ratings Jordan Pickford - 7/10 Wasn’t tested excessively but when called upon he more than did a job. Particularly with the game in the balance at 0-0 he made a crucial stop from Christian Pulisic, staying stood as long as possible. Made good saves from Green and Weah, too. Subbed at half time.
AP
England vs USA player ratings Trent Alexander-Arnold - 8/10 Not widely praised for his defensive ability, that wasn’t important tonight. The attacking right-back scored his first England goal and at 20 years old, what a strike. Leathered the Three Lions’ second goal of the evening beyond Guzan’s grasp and for that alone, he’s receiving high praise indeed.
Action Images via Reuters
England vs USA player ratings Michael Keane - 7/10 Solid performance but not tested greatly through England’s middle. It was USA’s wider players who caused more of a threat. Competent with the ball at his feet, as expected.
Getty Images
England vs USA player ratings Lewis Dunk - 7/10 England debut and performed admirably. Strong as expected at the back with his only error leading to USA’s big chance but they fluffed their lines so we’ll move past it.
PA
England vs USA player ratings Ben Chilwell - 7/10 Like his fellow full-back, looked really promising going forward and put in some delicious crosses but was well tested by Pulisic and lost him on a couple of occasions. A good performance, though.
REUTERS
England vs USA player ratings Harry Winks - 6/10 Less influential than the other creative sparks on the pitch. Perhaps slightly harsh on him as his role is more reserved than the rest but with England shining, Winks was rather quiet. Nothing negative, but little to rave about, either.
AFP/Getty Images
England vs USA player ratings Fabian Delph - 7/10 Another solid performer among a team of them. Did what was asked of him and got involved in some crunching tackles, too. Also set up Wilson’s goal with a good cross.
Getty Images
England vs USA player ratings Dele Alli - 7/10 Really strong and professional in his performance this evening. Not in the limelight like Sancho, Lingard or Alexander-Arnold this evening but having only returned from injury recently, can be quite happy with his display.
PA
England vs USA player ratings Jadon Sancho - 8/10 What a fabulous performance it was from the Dortmund winger. He was so bright on the ball, running at the defence at every opportunity and assisted the second England goal with a sumptuous ball into Alexander-Arnold’s path.
Getty Images
England vs USA player ratings Callum Wilson - 7/10 A joyous debut for Wilson who missed a great chance to open the scoring in the first half but stretched the US defence time and time again. Finally opened his England account minutes before he was substituted and you can see what it meant to him.
AFP/Getty Images
England vs USA player ratings Jesse Lingard - 7/10 Always a threat going forward and his opening goal set the tempo, curling the ball in from the edge of the box. A refined performance and another good one in an England shirt for Lingard.
REUTERS
"Jadon Sancho , 18 years of age, what a talent. I was so impressed with him," he said on Sky Sports . "He's a great example actually of a young player who took the opportunity to go and play abroad, got himself into the first team because no disrespect to Manchester City, if he had stayed at City there is no way he will have played for England tonight. It's just a fact.
"The fact that he has gone away, he's taken a chance, a real gamble, been brave and it has paid off, it really has.
"I love his flair. This kid has got so much talent the game is easy for him. He dribbles past people like they are not there.
"He moves the ball so effortlessly and that is a real gift when you can travel like that at pace.
"He runs away from people, he has got step-overs, he wriggles away from people, can pick a pass.
Sancho impressed once again with England (Getty Images) "He's so skilful, so skilful. To be doing that at 18 years of age on a big stage, it's incredible. We are so lucky to have him."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies