Jonjo Shelvey said it was an "honour" to make his full debut for England in San Marino - and help the Three Lions clinch a place at Euro 2016.
England eventually ran out comfortable 6-0 winners after goals from Wayne Rooney, an own-goal, Ross Barkley, Harry Kane - set up by Shelvey - and a Theo Walcott brace sealed the three points that confirmed their berth in France next summer.
But the 22-year-old admitted it was not as straightforward as it looked, particularly during the first half in Serravalle.
San Marino 0-6 England
UEFA EURO 2016 Qualifier
Saturday 5 September
San Marino Stadium, Serravalle
Match Stats
"It was important to get that win," he told FATV afterwards. "It was a difficult place to come and you know what you are going to expect.
"You have so much time on the ball, it’s hard to pick the right options and move their defence about.
"They make it very difficult for you in that final third. But we were professional and got the job done."
He continued: "They are so deep and play with a back-five.
"They rarely get out and rarely get any chances, so it’s always difficult playing against teams like that, you’ve got to be patient and stay patient.
Shelvey and Walcott spoke to FATV
"We stayed cool, got the lucky break through the penalty and then we kicked on from there. We came out in the second half really sharp and scored a quick set of goals."
The match was Shelvey’s second appearance for the Three Lions, despite featuring in a number of Roy Hodgson’s squads.
The Swansea City midfielder earned his only other senior cap three years ago, co-incidentally as a sub against the Sammarinese at Wembley, but was handed his first start on Saturday evening.
And with another big game on Tuesday when they face group hopefuls Switzerland, Shelvey is eager for another opportunity at Wembley as England look to stay on target for ten wins out of ten in qualifying.
Both of Shelvey's caps have been against San Marino
"It’s always nice to pull on the England shirt, and at senior level it’s the highest place you can do it," he said.
"It’s just a great honour to start a game and hopefully there will be many more to come."
He added: "[The win] gives us a bit more confidence. We knew we would get the result tonight, we were confident we’d come here and do it, but it’s a matter of going out there on the pitch and proving it.
"Hopefully we’ll get back on the training pitch and continue to work towards Tuesday.
"We’ve got to do that and I think we can [win ten out of ten], we have the players to do it. We definitely have the fixtures, so hopefully we can."
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