ENGLAND’S 2022 VISION
Dazzling fans in Dortmund, thrilled by his Three Lions call-up at just 18, Jadon’s living the dream... but, like any teenager, he misses his mum
JADON SANCHO is living out his childhood dream but remains just like any other teenager.
He admits to missing his mum, liking schnitzel and his surprise at being the first player born in this millennium to be called up by England.
The 18-year-old has become a symbol for a new generation after moving to Germany and Borussia Dortmund in search of regular first-team football.
That decision is reaping rich rewards, with the former Manchester City trainee making a name for himself in the Bundesliga having provided six assists and started two Champions League games.
While in the Premier League they struggle to get a chance, Germany is embracing the top teenagers from these shores.
Sancho’s best pal Reiss Nelson has joined Hoffenheim on a season-long loan from Arsenal, while West Ham’s Reece Oxford and Everton’s Ademola Lookman have also been to Germany in search of the ideal career move.
“Not everyone is comfortable moving from home,” said Sancho. “If you’re ready to play abroad and you believe in yourself, why not? I’d recommend it. I believe in myself, so moving to Germany didn’t faze me.
“I can’t just go down the road and see my friends, but it’s what I want to do long-term. To be a professional footballer you do what you have to do to make myself and my family happy. Moving from home was the biggest, leaving my mum and my sisters behind. I miss them a lot.
“It was very tough, especially my mum. But if you really believe in yourself, you have to do what’s best for you.
“This call-up means a lot to me, especially my family. I always dreamed of playing for my country when I was a young kid. It’s the biggest thing for me.
“My dad was a big fan of John Barnes. He had a couple of videos of him and growing up I’d watch them.” On being called by Gareth Southgate, Sancho, born in March 2000, said: “I was surprised myself, me being so young.”
An England debut would be a “dream come true” but he believes there will be a steady stream of players coming through from last year’s World Cup-winning Under-17 squad. He received a medal despite being called back early by his club and watching from afar as England lifted the trophy. He said: “The growth in England at the moment is crazy. There’s a lot of great young players out there. They are so determined to play. I watched the final on a live stream on the internet. I got a medal. That’s the best thing that’s happened to me in my England career so far. I’m just grateful he (Southgate) saw my progress in the Bundesliga.
“I was at training when I first got the call, and straight away I told my parents. They were delighted for me, and I couldn’t stop smiling for the whole day.”
The Londoner left Watford at 14 to move to City and when he felt he would not get game-time there, turned down a huge contract to join Dortmund as a relative unknown.
“I like it a lot,” said Sancho, who shares a flat with his dad. “The culture’s different. The fans have so much passion and support me every week. It’s a dream come true.
“The food’s all right. Schnitzel
. . that’s really nice. It’s vital (to be playing) as not everyone wants to play
Under23s.”