Saturday 28 May 2016 11:48, UK
Roy Hodgson says Marcus Rashford is a serious contender for a spot in England's Euro 2016 squad, but admits there are no guarantees.
Rashford continued his compelling rise to prominence in Sunderland, firing home after a neat move involving Raheem Sterling after just two minutes and 18 seconds of the 2-1 win.
In that moment, the Manchester United forward become the youngest England debutant to find the net.
Hodgson must name his final 23-man squad by Tuesday and the England manager, while offering no promised, was impressed by Rashford.
"What a debut. I'm pleased for him," he said.
"The subject of Marcus Rashford, I guess, will chop a few trees down tomorrow. I thought he did well.
"But I wasn't surprised with the way he played. He was always one of the players who was seriously competing for a place in the 23 and he's done his chances of travelling with us no harm.
"But nothing changes in that respect because we wouldn't have him with us in the 26 if we didn't think he was a serious contender for the 23.
"Let's wait and see...I've got until Tuesday to name my squad but he wouldn't be out of place in anyone's 23."
Daniel Sturridge was not among the substitutes on Friday, but is expected to train over the weekend.
Assessing Sturridge's status, Hodgson added: "He has a minor injury and we hope it will settle down.
"He'll be throwing his hat into the ring. If it turns out his injury would keep him out the Euros or he would be unfit when we play Russia, that might make a difference.
"But I have no indication the seriousness of the injury is such that it is putting his chances in jeopardy at all."
Hodgson utilised two formations at the Stadium of Light, with Rashford and Sterling atop a diamond in the first 45 minutes and then operating either side of Wayne Rooney after he came from the bench at half-time.
The England captain scored their second, and his 52nd at this level, with a powerful drive in the 55th minute.
The two-goal cushion was halved 15 minutes from time when Eric Dier, operating in the back four after Chris Smalling suffered cramp, stooped in front of Fraser Forster to nod in an own goal.
Hodgson sees the versatile Tottenham man as cover for his three specialist centre-backs and did not appear overly worried by his error.
"We wanted to give Eric a bit of a go at centre-back. After his goal tonight, I'm tempted to give him a go at centre forward in the next game," he said.
