Southgate praised an inexperienced England squad

Southgate told ITV: "I was really pleased with the way the boys played. 

"[With] a lot of young players, a lot of inexperienced players, we used the ball very well, created a lot of chances [and] it could have been more comfortable if we'd taken some of those chances. But overall, very pleased. 

"I think we were a bit slow at the start but that's understandable, it's not a team that has had a lot of time to work together.

Through a Nations League double-header against Belgium and Iceland likely to happen, the Three Lions director overlooked the likes of Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane at Wembley on Thursday evening.

Southgate continued with a youthful team. Actually, goalkeeper Nick Pope at 28 is the oldest player.    As Jude Bellingham hurried to make his England bow, becoming the third-youngest debutant for the men's team, after Theo Walcott and Wayne Rooney.

"The longer they went on, some of the interplay, some of the play between our attacking 10s and our wing-backs in particular was very good, especially down this left side: Bukayo [Saka], Jack [Grealish] and then Mason [Mount]. I was very pleased."

Grealish lent a helping hand on his England debut with another on his second outing to record five goals and seven assists in 11 displays for club and country this term.

He added: "There are a lot of other players in the squad as well, so we've got great competition for places. 

As for Grealish himself, he is hoping that his withdrawal just past the hour mark bodes well for involvement against Belgium next up.