England interim manager Gareth Southgate believes that forward Jesse Lingard was outstanding in his debut for the senior national team following their 2-0 victory overMalta in their World Cup qualifier on Saturday

The 23-year-old was capped for the first time since joining the senior team coming on as a substitute to replace Theo Walcott for the last 22 minutes of the match as the Three Lions defeated Malta at Wembley Stadium.

The Three Lions took the lead in the first half through goals by Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Delle Alli as the score remained 2-0 until the final whistle.

Meanwhile, Chris Smalling was an unused substitute for England, who will next be in action on Tuesday night away to Slovenia in a key game for World Cup qualifying Group F, according to the Manchester United website.

Southgate, who had previously selected Lingard at U21 level says that the Manchester United foward put in an impressive performance in his debut appearance for the Three Lions.

‘Jesse had an outstanding debut, he really linked the play well and looked a real threat,’ Southgate said.

‘That’s why we wanted to give him the start – he’s got a real strong mentality, he’s an exciting young player and the stage was made for him really.

‘He’s enjoyed Wembley – he’s scored twice here in the past for Manchester United and he had a very good game.’

England will next take on Slovenia in their second Group F match in the World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday.