Sunderland rises to the occasion plus five other things learned from England's win over Australia

It may not have been the best game but England won at a sold-out Stadium of Light and teenage sensation Marcus Rashford scored on his debut.
Jordan Henderson and Wayne Rooney in actionJordan Henderson and Wayne Rooney in action
Jordan Henderson and Wayne Rooney in action

England fans in the North East couldn't have asked for much more as Roy Hodgson's men continued their preparations ahead of Euro 2016.

Here's what we learned from England's visit to the region.

England supporters at the Stadium of LightEngland supporters at the Stadium of Light
England supporters at the Stadium of Light

Sunderland AFC and the City put on a show for England:

The game itself may have lacked real intensity or much entertainment value but the fans made up for that off the pitch.

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The fan zone was full a good two-hours before kick-off, with supporters keen to enjoy the entertainment and late Spring sunshine before heading into the stadium.

There was also a significant number that had made there way into the ground early to make the most of the occasion.

England boss Roy HodgsonEngland boss Roy Hodgson
England boss Roy Hodgson

And with thousands of fans wearing red and white T-shirts in the north stand to create a giant England flag, the Stadium of Light certainly looked the part.

The England band - complete with THAT drum - were also in fine voice throughout, helping create a good atmosphere.

The average game didn't help but the fans had a good night.

Evidence of why England should tour the country more:

The England players celebrate Marcus Rashford's goalThe England players celebrate Marcus Rashford's goal
The England players celebrate Marcus Rashford's goal
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Wembley is the home of football and it's quite right that England play their matches there.

But a change is as good as a rest, they say, and England should look to do more tours of the country ahead of major tournaments.

It gets the players out of their comfort zones and gives fans around the country the chance to see their favourite players in action.

Sunderland put on an excellent show, the club and fans from across the region played their part and Hodgson was quick to praise them post-match.

England supporters at the Stadium of LightEngland supporters at the Stadium of Light
England supporters at the Stadium of Light
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And it was proof that more games should be played in front of crowds up and down the country.

The North-East proves its credentials as a hotbed of football. Again:

The Stadium of Light was a 46,595 sell-out two days before the game and they could have probably sold more had the capacity been greater.

Contrast that with England's previous match at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium which was not full.

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It wasn't just Sunderland fans there, of course, football supporters from across the region flocked to the Stadium of Light.

Ironic that Marcus Rashford shines on Jermain Defoe's home turf:

England boss Roy HodgsonEngland boss Roy Hodgson
England boss Roy Hodgson

'La, la, la, Jermaaaain Defoooe' could be heard loud and proud from those Sunderland supporters among the crowd midway through the first half.

There had been much debate beforehand about whether Sunderland's top-scorer should have made Hodgson's preliminary squad for Euro 2016.

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He did not. But 18-year-old Marcus Rashford did after an impressive debut season for Manchester United.

It was ironic then that Rashford probably booked his seat on the plane at the Stadium of Light, Defoe's home patch. It was a fine finish too with less than three minutes on the clock.

England's youngest ever scorer on debut. Rashford is raw and his first touch needs to improve but he looked a threat.

Defoe can at least enjoy his summer and come back firing again for Sunderland next season.

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Rare chance for Sunderland fans to enjoy stress-free evening:

As seasons go, the one just gone had just about it all from a Sunderland point of view.

It made a pleasant change, therefore, for those Sunderland fans among the crowd to enjoy a stress-free evening at the Stadium of Light.

Let's be honest, they haven't had much to cheer this season - the last two home games aside.

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And they made the most of it, even giving Newcastle United winger Andros Townsend a good booing when he entered the action.

It upset some fans and divided opinion on social media.

But let's be honest, if it was a Sunderland player coming on for England at St James's Park, they would expect the same treatment.

Hodgson faces big problems ahead of Euro 2016:

Rashford's superb debut goal and Wayne Rooney's strike aside, there was little else to impress Hodgson ahead of him needing to name his final squad on Tuesday.

This was the last chance for several players to impress ahead of the 26-man squad being cut by three.

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Rashford stood out but England have major problems out wide, in central defence and the midfield trio didn't work well as a unit either.

The defence was left too exposed with Danny Drinkwater, Jack Wilshere and Adam Lallana doing little to stake a claim. John Stones was poor too.

Too many players not fully fit and a system that doesn't seem to get the best out of them.

Granted this wasn't a full-strength England side with the likes of Joe Hart, Jamie Vardy and Harry Kane to come back in but it was far from a full-strength Australian side too.

You wouldn't put a bet on England coming back from France with any silverware on this performance.