Manchester City star, Raheem Sterling scored his first England hat-trick as the Three Lions’ Euro 2020 qualifying campaign started in hugely impressive fashion as they outclassed the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium, London.

Manager Gareth Southgate gave Jadon Sancho his first international start and Borussia Dortmund’s 18-year-old repaid his faith with a fine display. Sancho who won the winner of Goal’s 2019 NxGn, Jadon Sancho enjoyed a lively match after making his first senior start, setting up Sterling’s first and catching the eye with his silky footwork.

Initially he looked a little nervous, but support from captain Harry Kane helped him get back on track. “He (Harry Kane) just said keep being positive, as the first couple of one-on-ones didn’t go my way,” said the Borussia Dortmund star. 

“He just said that and I stuck to the plan. In training, me and ‘H’ have a special connection, so once he touched the ball [in the build-up to Sterling’s opener], I knew he was going to do a reverse pass in behind and it was an easy goal for Raheem.

“In training he speaks to me, he gives me advice, tells me to be confident on the ball, off the ball, just keep working hard. Coming from the captain and such a great player, it’s a nice boost.”

Sancho showed his quality with a perfect cross for the stretching Sterling to open the scoring after 24 minutes and captain Harry Kane added the second in first-half stoppage time after the Manchester City forward was bundled over by two Czech Republic defenders.

Sterling was then given a standing ovation as he was replaced by debutant Callum Hudson-Odoi, with another of England’s young brigade Declan Rice having already been given his first Three Lions cap as replacement for Dele Alli.

Gareth Southgate also handed the Chelsea’s Callum Hudson Odoi his England debut on Friday, leaving the 18-year-old lost for words. The highly rated youngster was “speechless” after becoming the youngest player to represent England in a competitive international during Friday’s 5-0 hammering of the Czech Republic.

England were on top form at Wembley, tearing their visitors apart and making an emphatic start to Euro 2020 qualifying. Raheem Sterling was the pick of the bunch with a hat-trick, but Hudson-Odoi – who replaced the Manchester City star – had a hand in the final goal, as goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka parried his shot and Tomas Kalas put into his own net with a woeful first touch.

Hudson-Odoi was making his first appearance for England despite not having started a Premier League game for Chelsea yet, and he was left struggling to comprehend his situation. “I’m absolutely delighted,” the 18-year-old told ITV . “I just want to thank everyone who’s helped me get where I am today.

“Obviously the opportunity to come on in front of a home crowd was absolutely amazing. I can’t believe it, I’m speechless.”