Praise for Hudson-Odoi after youngster makes Chelsea history

Gareth Southgate praised Callum Hudson-Odoi after the youngster impressed on his England debut.

Hudson-Odoi, 18, became Chelsea’s youngest-ever England player when came on as a substitute in the European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic.

Southgate’s side won 5-0 at Wembley, where Hudson-Odoi was heavily involved in the fifth goal – the teenager’s shot was saved, with Chelsea’s Tomas Kalas then diverting the ball into his own net.

Blues midfielder Ross Barkley was also involved in England’s resounding win and Hudson-Odoi made an immediate impact after being sent on.

“He had an opportunity to go and play with the freedom he’d shown all week and I thought he displayed that,” said England boss Southgate.

“He’ll be another player that maybe people at home won’t have seen so much of and I’m sure they’ll have seen things that excited them.”