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WAITING IN WINGS

Jadon Sancho becomes England’s first post-2000 born debutant and comes close to tragic Duncan Edwards’ record

Edwards was 18 years and 183 days old when he played against Scotland in April 1955 — and Sancho was 18 days older as he came on late in the second half

JADON SANCHO came on for Raheem Sterling to make his England debut at the age of 18 and become the first post-millennium Three Lions player.

He is the 10th-youngest international and not since Duncan Edwards made his first appearance in white has a player so young played for the first time in a competitive game.

 Jadon Sancho came on for Raheem Sterling late in the second half
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Jadon Sancho came on for Raheem Sterling late in the second halfCredit: Reuters
Gareth Southgate says England draw with Croatia feels like a game ‘we should have won’
 Duncan Edwards made his competitive debut aged 18 and 183 days old against Scotland in 1955
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Duncan Edwards made his competitive debut aged 18 and 183 days old against Scotland in 1955Credit: Rex Features
 Sancho nipped on to the pitch and took a few minutes to get a touch before he worked a nice move on the right-hand side
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Sancho nipped on to the pitch and took a few minutes to get a touch before he worked a nice move on the right-hand sideCredit: Reuters
England players Harry Kane, John Stones and Eric Dier applaud travelling fans in Croatia who sat on a hill during the match

Edwards was 18 years and 183 days old when he played against Scotland, 63 years ago, while Sancho is just 18 days older than the tragic Manchester United star.

And Sancho, wearing No 22, almost set up a glorious winner as he beat his man on the right-hand side with some fantastic trickery.

He then floated in a deceptive cross, but none of England's forwards could latch on to the end of it.

Gareth Southgate's side were the better side in the second half and hit the woodwork twice, through Eric Dier and Harry Kane.

And Marcus Rashford missed some gilt-edge chances when one-on-one with the Croatia keeper as the Three Lions failed to take their chances.

Sancho has scored two senior goals for Borussia Dortmund since his arrival at the start of last season.

But it is his assist tally that is impressing in Germany, with Lucien Favre's side now top of the Bundesliga and flying in the Champions League.

Sancho tweeted: "A real honour putting the England shirt on tonight and representing my country.

"Thank you everyone for the messages! The journey continues..."

Long may it continue for young Sancho.

18-year-old Jadon Sancho discusses his call-up to the England squad to face Croatia and Spain
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