JADON LOVES CUT & TRUST
Sancho’s praise for boss
JADON SANCHO has hailed England manager Gareth Southgate’s inspired decision to give youth a chance.
The Borussia Dortmund ace, 19 tomorrow, was handed his first senior start for the Three Lions on Friday in the Euro 2020 qualifier against Czech Republic.
And Sancho made the most of his opportunity to shine by helping England batter the Czechs 5-0 at Wembley.
With fellow teenager Callum Hudson-Odoi plus Declan Rice, who is just 20, also making their debuts as second-half substitutes, it was a remarkable and memorable night for the nation’s sizzling young talents who are catching the eye of clubs across Europe.
And, according to Sancho, it proves that Southgate was spot on in trusting them to handle the pressure of performing on the biggest stage of all.
The former Manchester City youth player said: “It just shows what happens if you give youngsters a chance – and they have something to prove.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be playing with Callum because I’ve played with him through all the youth levels.
“It’s nice to have a close friend out there on the pitch.
“He’s been doing well with Chelsea. That’s why he is in the England squad because the coach believes in him.” Sancho opted to quit The Etihad in July 2016 as he felt his hopes of regular first-team action were non-existent.
Now a starter every week for title-chasing Borussia in the Bundesliga, he has no reason to regret moving abroad.
And he has dismissed recent comments from City manager Pep Guardiola suggesting he lacked the stomach to compete for a place at City. Sancho, who has smashed nine goals in the German top flight this season, added: “I didn’t read what he said. That’s his opinion.
“I’m just happy at Borussia Dortmund and happy to be playing.”
The pressure to deliver for England will now be cranked up on Sancho – even if he felt his display on Friday, in which he set up Raheem Sterling’s opener, left a lot to be desired. He said:
“It could have gone better. Obviously my one-v-ones weren’t as sharp as normal.
“But I’m happy that I am on the pitch, starting my first competitive England game and having an assist for the first goal.
“I’ve got a lot of improvements to make off the pitch and I’m sure in the next game, if I get my chance, I’ll do better.”
Should he line up against Montenegro tomorrow night at the Podgorica City Stadium, it will be some way for him to celebrate his birthday.
But as with all fledging careers, there are likely to be some downs among the ups.
When the going gets tough Sancho knows he can always rely on some words of wisdom from Manchester City superstar Raheem Sterling to help him through.
“Raheem’s such a great player – his numbers are crazy this year. He has showed all the youngsters what it’s about,” added the £100million-rated winger.
“It’s very good to have him about, especially because he’s from London as well and he knows where I’m coming from.
“He’s been helping me a lot. But it’s not just him, everyone has made us feel comfortable and welcome.” HARRY PRATT