Gareth Southgate says an "electric" Raheem Sterling is showing his maturity as he continues his transformation into England's main man with a hat-trick against the Czech Republic.
Southgate admitted to changing his system slightly to try and get more out of Sterling, and it paid off as Sterling and Jadon Sancho thrived out in wider positions either side of Harry Kane.
The England boss says a greater maturity and a greater hunger for goals has made Sterling much more dangerous, as he starts to show more of his Man City form for his country.
England 5-0 Czech Republic
"I thought Raheem was electric all night. He's looked that way all week in training, involved in four of the goals. I'm really pleased for him, it's a special night for him," Southgate told ITV.
"I just think he's really matured as a person and a footballer. He's hungry for those goals now.
"He's determined to get in the right areas of the pitch and the quality of his finishing, he's just hitting things instinctively without thinking too much."
A change of system to 4-3-3 seems to have reaped rewards for Southgate, who added: "I think we've got exciting wide players, you saw the two young boys as well, obviously Marcus Rashford can play there and we've got others.
"It gets us good offensive players on the field and higher up the pitch as well. I thought there was some really good football at times."
Sterling on beautiful England performance
It was a fantastic night all round for Sterling, who grew up in the shadow of Wembley Stadium and now seems to have finally convinced all England fans of his quality.
Sterling told ITV afterwards: "It was a beautiful team performance and I was happy to help the team. Most importantly we got the win and that's the most important thing."
On his own performance he added: "I'm just being confident with myself. Being there and trying to get in areas and trying to take shots and not worry about anything, just go with it. That's it.
"The first goal actually (was the most satisfying). Just to get another goal up and running again, that was the most pleasing one."
Young guns excite Sterling
Sancho excelled as did Declan Rice on debut, while Callum Hudson-Odoi had a late cameo, with all three earning praise from Sterling.
He added: "They're playing for their clubs and they're special talents, every single one of them. Jadon, I've seen numerous times and every time I've seen him I get excited.
"Callum has probably had a limited amount of games at Chelsea but he's the same again, every time I've seen him I've been really excited.
"And also, Declan as well, he's really mature and for a holding midfielder, he's using the ball well. I'm just happy that they're English to be honest with you."
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