Jesse Lingard admits he was left with a good feeling on Sunday after helping England to victory over Croatia and into next year’s Nations League semi-final.
The Three Lions knew only a win would be good enough, after falling behind to Andrej Kramaric’s goal in the second half.
But England responded in the best way with Lingard introduced as a substitute and drawing his side level before Harry Kane scored the winner seven minutes later to turn the game on its head.
"As a sub, you've got to change the game and in the position I'm in you've got to make the forward runs, get in the box as much as possible and try to change the game,” said Lingard, who came on for Delph as England searched for a way back into the game.
"With the squad that we've got, everyone knows their roles and responsibilities so as soon as you get on the pitch you know what to do straightaway.
"For me, in the number eight position, that was to get in the box as much as possible and luckily it fell for me."
The goal brought scenes of celebrations at Wembley, as England could finally celebrate a victory over Zlatko Dalic’s team following the World Cup semi-final defeat and last month’s draw in Rijeka.
"It was a good feeling, it was a bit of payback for Russia to get the win today,” added Lingard, who is now looking forward to competing in the Nations League Finals in Portugal next June.
"This is what we want, we want to compete against the best and show our ability.
"It's another test and another semi-final and we've learnt from Russia now and we know what the job in hand.”
Watch the full interview with Lingard on the official England Facebook page.
