Clarke-Salter quick to make big impact in his U21 debut

Defender Jake Clarke-Salter has endured a miserable time on loan with Sunderland in the Championship.

But the Chelsea centreback had a day to savour in his U21 debut on Saturday, taking over as captain late in the game and scoring the crucial second goal as England Under-21s beat Romania 2-1 in a friendly at Molineux.

Skipper Demarai Gray needed just eight minute go bag the opening goal, firing in an effort which deflected in off Leicester club0mate Alexandru Pascanu, after good work from Ademola Lookman and Kyle Walker-Peters.

Romania hit the post when Andrei Ivan’s strike took a slight touch off Clarke-Salter, then should have done better after capitalising on Sunderland loanee Ovie Ejaria (pictured) losing possession, the only bad moment in an otherwise excellent U21 debut by the Under-20 World Cup winner..

Tammy Abraham and Lookman both struck the frame of the goal before Clarke-Salter doubled the lead, rising to nod home, in off the post, a corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Valentin Costache pulled one back, but England held on, boosting confidence for tomorrow’s European Championship qualifier against Ukraine at Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane.

Boss Aidy Boothroyd was proud of his side, particularly the younger ones, including Sunderland pair Clarke-Salter and Ejaria.

“Some of our stuff was breathtaking at times,” said Boothroyd. “Young players like coming to England, it gives them a little break from the hurly-burly of the Championship or the Premier League.

“It’s nice they can come with us and feel like they can relax, play expansive football, entertain and win.”

Meanwhile, winger Demarai Gray is still eyeing a late World Cup call.

He said: “I’m still 21 but my experience is that nothing is too soon, anything is round the corner. I’ve just got to knuckle down and do what I do and see what comes.

“I want to be up there. I believe in myself and believe my time will come.”