Callum Hudson-Odoi revealed that he was so shocked at the prospect of making his England debut that the Chelsea winger thought it was all a dream.
Hudson-Odoi, who was initially supposed to join up with England's under-21s this week, was a late call-up to manager Gareth Southgate's senior squad after four players withdrew due to injury.
The winger replaced hat-trick hero Raheem Sterling with 20 minutes to go during England's 5-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over the Czech Republic at Wembley, becoming the youngest player to make his Three Lions debut in a competitive match at 18 years and 135 days.
"I couldn't believe it (when I was told to get ready)," Hudson-Odoi told Sky Sports. "I didn't think it was real!
"I was looking around the crowd and everybody looked happy.
"I didn't know what to do. I want to thank everybody for helping me get here."
It was the first time in over 130 years that England featured two players aged 18 or younger, with Jadon Sancho also starting the game.
Hudson-Odoi even forced a save off Czech goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka, only for defender Tomas Kalas to clumsily turn the ball past his keeper for an own goal.
"To get the opportunity to play today is a massive feeling in front of the home crowd as well," Hudson-Odoi added.
"Hopefully there's many more to come."
England's next game is another Group A qualifier away to Montenegro in Podgorica on Monday.
Additional reporting by Reuters.
