Fabian Delph shows England doubters why Gareth Southgate is such a big fan

It was Fabian Delph, but not as we know him.

England’s midfield action-man during a euphoric afternoon at Wembley - and to think he wasn’t even supposed to be playing.

Jordan Henderson was due to partner Eric Dier and Ross Barkley in central midfield against Croatia, but fresh concerns over the Liverpool star’s hamstring saw Delph handed a surprise inclusion.

He didn't disappoint. One moment he was picking the ball up off his centre backs, the next he was popping up deep inside the Croatian half trying to unlock their defence.

Full of energy, full of intent - Delph plotted his way through a midfield area - that included a certain Luka Modric - with the air of man who feels he belongs on this stage.

On this evidence, Delph has a case to start England’s first Euro 2020 qualifier next year.

There was a moment in the 16th minute where he picked up possession in midfield before rolling the ball under his foot to beat one Croatian.

Not content with that he dropped his shoulder to beat another before pinging a beautifully-weighted lofted pass to Raheem Sterling.

Where did that come from? And that is in no way meant to be disrespectful to Delph.

You don’t captain your country, as he did against USA on Thursday night, if you don’t have something about you.

But this was a Delph we’d never seen before in an England shirt. His passing was crisp and with purpose - an incisive pass into the Raheem Sterling’s feet early on a sign of things to come.

On Thursday, Delph was disciplined ensuring England’s back-four had the protection it required.

But with Eric Dier in that defensive role against Croatia, the shackles - to an extent - were off Delph. He certainly took advantage.

Delph, it’s fair to say splits opinion. The fact he’s made just two Premier League starts this season - against newly promoted Fulham and Cardiff - has raised questions over his inclusion in the England squad altogether.

Similarly, some seasoned England followers don’t believe he should be in the Gareth Southgate’s plans full stop.

This performance was the perfect response to those doubters. The fact he is involved in squad’s leadership group underlines exactly how much he is valued by the England manager.

When fully fit Henderson will return to the starting XI. But Delph has proved he’s more than an able deputy.

His involvement ended in the 73rd minute; the epitome of a team-player he sprinted off the field to be replaced by Jesse Lingard with the same gusto as he did when he was chasing down Modric.

Delph may have been off the pitch as England produced the most dramatic of turnarounds - but make no mistake, Delph was one of England’s main men against the Croatians.

England’s unsung hero? Not so much now.