Norwich City’s Jacob Murphy substituted early by England Under-21s – but there’s no problem
Norwich City's Jacob Murphy marked his second appearance for England Under-21s win an assist, pictured right, battling with Denmark's Lasse Vigen Christensen in Randers, Denmark. Picture: Steve Bardens/Getty Images - Credit: Getty Images
Jacob Murphy played less than half of England Under-21s' 4-0 friendly win in Denmark on Monday night – but there is no cause for alarm.
The Norwich City youngster impressed in his second appearance in four days for Aidy Boothroyd's side, setting up the opening goal, and was withdrawn on 38 minutes simply to give Aston Villa's Jack Grealish a chance to impress.
The early exit should leave Murphy fresh for a return to action with the Canaries, who travel to Villa on Saturday looking to keep their outside chances of making the SkyBet Championship play-offs alive.
Chelsea's Ruben Loftus-Cheek struck twice as England continued their preparations for the European Championships with a comfortable win in Randers.
Brighton winger Solly March and Burton loanee Cauley Woodrow also got on the scoresheet as the Under-21s won for the first time since Boothroyd was appointed full-time manager.
England, beaten 1-0 in Germany on Friday in Murphy's debut, dominated the game from start to finish.
Reading's John Swift had already gone close when Loftus-Cheek fired the visitors into the lead after 10 minutes.
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The chance was made by Murphy, with the Norwich winger breaking down the left and pulling back into the box for Loftus-Cheek to take a touch and stroke coolly home.
England doubled their lead just five minutes later after impressive captain Will Hughes stole possession and the ball was fed wide.
March cut in from the right and struck a curling left-foot shot from the edge of the area which flew in at the far post with aid of a deflection.
Manchester City's former Norwich keeper Angus Gunn made a couple of saves – but England always looked in command and scored a third on the hour mark when Woodrow tapped home after Kortney Hause had won a header at a corner.
Woodrow had another effort blocked before Loftus-Cheek claimed his second with a powerful shot after a sharp turn in the area.
'I think the whole trip has been a good experience – they were two really good games for us,' said Boothroyd afterwards.
