SVEN Goran Eriksson last night hailed Shaun Wright-Phillips' "dream debut" after the Manchester City midfielder lit up England's 3-0 win over the Ukraine with a scintillating 72nd-minute strike.

The 22-year-old, who earned his first call to the full squad for England's friendly in Sweden in March, made his international debut when he came off the bench as a 53rd-minute replacement for Nicky Butt.

And, with stepfather Ian Wright looking on, he needed just 19 minutes to show what he can offer on the international stage.

Wright-Phillips jinked through the Ukrainian defence before unleashing a fierce drive that gave Eriksson food for thought ahead of next month's World Cup qualifiers in Austria and Poland.

"Shaun has incredible pace and a great technique," said the England boss, who also saw Jermain Defoe press his claims for further international recognition during an impressive second-half showing.

"He's a positive football player and I'm very happy for him to have enjoyed a debut like that.

"It must be a dream for every youngster or young footballer in England - it was absolutely perfect.

"He took the goal extremely well and I'm sure his father is rather happy at what he has done as well. It shows he is ready for international football."

Wright-Phillips was understandably delighted to have marked his international debut with a goal and, with England's opening World Cup qualifier less than three weeks away, is determined to force his way into the reckoning.

"I don't think it gets any better than that," he said. "It's absolutely everything I've always wanted in life - to play football and to play for England.

"To get a goal on my debut is a dream come true. That goal goes out to a lot of people who have supported me over the years.

"It made me very happy and I hope it made others just as happy. I am just focusing on winning a place in the next squad and playing a part in the World Cup qualifiers."

The only sour note on an otherwise enjoyable night for the England squad was the crowd's reaction to under-fire midfielder Kieron Dyer.

The Newcastle star was roundly booed following his alleged refusal to play at right midfield for the Magpies, and his unwillingness to take on the captain's armband against Middlesbrough.

Eriksson was reluctant to comment on what he sees as a parochial club matter, but hopes Dyer can build some bridges with Newcastle's home support.

"I feel sorry for him but I think he handled it very well," said Eriksson. "He carried on playing his football and did well. I hope he will go on playing for Newcastle and go on doing well. Hopefully there will be love between the crowd and Kieron Dyer again."

* Northern Ireland boss Lawrie Sanchez hailed his players after they stretched their unbeaten run to six matches.

The Irish, in the same World Cup qualifying group as England, produced their best result under Sanchez in holding Switzerland to a goalless draw.

Sanchez said: ''The mood is changing in the dressing room. They are unhappy they didn't win this game. They thought they could win it.''