Clarke-Salter clinches Lions’ win
DEMARAI GRAY grabbed the captain’s armband and led from the front as Aidy Boothroyd’s young Lions laid down a decisive marker.
Leicester City’s wideman skippered the side in the absence of injured Liverpool forward Dominic Solanke – and shouldered the burden in the best possible way.
Gray grabbed the eighth-minute goal that set his side on the way to a morale-boosting friendly triumph ahead of a European Championship qualifier against Ukraine later this week. In an open clash at Molineux against opponents who are unbeaten in their own group, the result was finally secured when Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter nodded home the second with 17 minutes left on the clock.
England have enjoyed a blemish-free start to their campaign, but with seniors boss Gareth Southgate unafraid to promote from within, this was a chance to impress, with the clock ticking down to Russia.
That led to an energetic offering from the hosts – and several players caught the eye.
Liverpool midfielder Ovie Ejaria was one, along with Everton’s Ademola Lookman and Arsenal youngster Ainsley Maitland-Niles. However, it was Gray who made the initial breakthrough.
He has grown frustrated at Leicester City and, despite being awarded with a new deal, he has found it difficult to nail down a regular spot.
So far this season, he has spent more time coming off the bench than starting.
But he is showing signs of maturing physically.
Gone is the scrawny lad who broke through at Birmingham City.
But Gray always had an eye for goal. He stunned Old Trafford with one of his early goals at Leicester, finding the net from 30 yards.
And he looked a threat here. The