Jadon Sancho displays the gifted, fearless traits needed to back up his billing as the future of English football

Borussia Dortmund are keen not to rush the talented 18-year-old but Gareth Southgate’s desire to have him involved shows how highly he rates Sancho

It was only 12 minutes in the goalless draw in front of an empty stadium, but all international careers have to start somewhere. And in those 12 minutes in Rijeka on Friday night Jadon Sancho’s quick feet left flickers of why he is the most exciting English talent of his generation. And why Gareth Southgate has been so brave fast-tracking him into the England team.

Southgate picking him for this squad was bold enough but it was even more impressive that he threw Sancho on with England chasing a late winner. It was Southgate’s first and only change. If it had backfired, Sancho had given the ball away and England conceded, both player and manager would have been criticised.

But when Sancho replaced Raheem Sterling, he looked fearless, charging forward with the ball down the right, causing Josip Pivaric problems with his speed and skill. He was not afraid to unleash his stepovers and his crossing from the right was a threat too. It was a performance to suggest that he has the talent and the temperament to succeed for England, given how willingly he rose to the challenge.

Eric Dier, watching on from holding midfield, was impressed by the teenager’s forward scampering at the end of the game. “Jadon Sancho was fantastic when he came on, very direct and confident, fast and technicality very gifted,” Dier said of Sancho. “Hopefully he can be a big part of England in the future, he needs to keep working hard."

Jadon Sancho made his England debut against Croatia on Friday night (PA)

What was even more impressive about the assurance of Sancho’s debut is that there were some who were initially unsure about his inclusion in the squad.

Borussia Dortmund are understandably keen not to rush his gradual exposure to the glare of the senior game. There was a view at his club that this time, the Under-21s would have been a better place for Sancho. Because he is not even a regular starter for Dortmund yet, having started just one of their Bundesliga games so far this season, and come off the bench six times. He still needs careful management.

Even among the senior players in this England squad there were some eyebrows raised when an 18-year-old who had only ever started 10 games of senior men’s football in his life made it in. He did not even play Under-20 or Under-21 football for England, skipping straight from the Under-19s to the senior side. But then older players have been arguing that youngsters have it too easy for as long as football has been played.

Sancho's desire to attack brought a new dimension for England (Action Images via Reuters)

All that matters for Southgate and England is that Sancho is one of the most exciting and dangerous players available to him. And that starting to integrate him now may help England in years to come. Because Sancho has already proved so much, with his performances and his career to date. Whether in the Watford academy, for Manchester City Under-18s and Under-23s, for England under-17s or for Borussia Dortmund, the game has remained the same. That was the game Sancho brought onto the pitch at Rijeka. The game that has brought him the first hints of success and stardom already, still just 18. Suddenly the prospect of Spain in Seville on Monday night looks like the next natural step.