The odd setting for Wayne Rooney’s England goalscoring glory was SKOPJE.

Two decades later, the mountainous city of North Macedonia staged what may be compared to another historic event with Rico Lewis’ Three Lions debut.

What a night for Rico Lewis as he picked up the man of the match

Lewis was controversially ruled to have fouled Bojan Miovski, leading to a penalty opener for North Macedonia in a 1-1 draw

VAR penalised Man City starlet Lewis for this challenge

Unlike Rooney’s joy of breaking his duck in 2003, Lewis’ happy day was marred by an absurdly harsh VAR decision.

But, aside from that absurd judgment, there was more than enough from the teenager’s performance today to see why there is so much talk surrounding him.

And why it is not out of the question that he competes in the Euros next summer.

Manchester City’s wonderkid became the 17th youngest starter in his country’s history, filling in at left-back one day before his 19th birthday, which he celebrates today.

When he played against Turkey in Sunderland in April 2003, Rooney was 17 years and 160 days old.

Wazza’s first goal for England came five months later, in a 2-1 victory at what was then known as the City Park Stadium.

It was the first of a record-breaking 53 goals for his country, which was later eclipsed by Harry Kane, who had the unusual experience of starting a qualifier from the bench here.

Who knows if Lewis will have the international influence that Rooney and Kane have had and continue to have.

Others even younger than the Bury kid to debut for England, such as Micah Richards, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Jadon Sancho, have had their star fade after such a promising start.

The buzz is understandable given how impressed Pep Guardiola has been with the dynamic teenager, labeling him one of the best players he has ever coached.

Lewis believes his best position is as a No. 8 in midfield.

Nonetheless, with a scarcity of left-backs, Gareth Southgate lined up there last night, at least on the squad sheet.

In truth, Lewis was used as a center offensive midfielder when England had the ball, much how Ange Postecoglou uses Destiny Udogie for Tottenham.

People close to Lewis speak highly of his self-assurance, which they describe as strong but not arrogant.

That was evident from the start, whether it was how glad he was to receive possession in tight areas, take on shoots when opportunities presented, or even how he offered Declan Rice an encouraging high-five after the Arsenal man had won a throw-in.

Heck, he even blasted the ball into an empty net after the whistle had gone after the break.

Lewis appeared to be a natural fit at this level, demonstrating why he is the only player since Jude Bellingham to jump from the Under-21s to the seniors.

Kyle Walker, Lewis’ City teammate and England captain for the evening, let Lewis wield the England flag for the team photo before switching it with Macedonian captain Enis Bardhi before kickoff.

Lewis impressed, not least with amazing confidence for a teen

After the unusual VAR-assisted decision to rule Lewis had caught Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski in the face while winning a header, Bardhi converted the subsequent penalty after his original strike had been saved.

Lewis had done nothing wrong, jumping with only his eyes on the ball, and his performance did not warrant such a verdict.

During the last Euros, no one outside Manchester City’s academy had heard of Lewis.

He only made his club debut in August of last year.

But, considering how useful he appeared tonight, his adaptability, and Southgate’s left-back difficulties, flying to Germany in seven months would no longer be a surprise.