Town's Darren Bent was probably lucky to stay on the bench as England's U21s were thoroughly outplayed by Croatia's youngsters at Upton Park. The visitors won 3-0 and were the better side from start to finish.

Goran Ljubojevic put the Croats ahead in the 11th minute during a first half where the Balkan side showed ideas and creativity far beyond David Platt's team.

They increased their lead just after the break as Ljubojevic made the most of one of a number poorly defended crosses, lashing in after keeper Matt Murphy and his defence had failed clear.

England weren't helped by Jermaine Pennant picking up a red card for punching Niko Kranjcar in the face in an off the ball incident on the hour.

The rout was complete in the closing stages as Marijan Buljat ended a sublime move with a chip over the implausibly stranded Matt Murray to make the scoreline 3-0.

England: Murray, Johnson, Konchesky, Prutton, Parnaby, Clarke (Jagielka 74), Pennant, Jenas, Jeffers (Carlton Cole 70), Defoe, Barry (Sidwell 46).

Photo: Action Images

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