Sterling shines in San Marino rout
Raheem Sterling played his part in three of England U21s' goals as they were comfortable 4-0 winners over San Marino at the Stadio Olimpico in Serravalle on Thursday night.
The 18-year-old played for 65 minutes before being substituted; however, Sterling had already left his mark on the UEFA U21 Championship qualifier.
He helped create England's first by attempting to turn home Tom Carroll's corner, only for his effort to land at the feet of Michael Keane, who pounced to fire the visitors ahead on five minutes.
The Young Lions were relentless in their pursuit of a second goal and Sterling fashioned several attempts, going closest when he nodded narrowly over after fine work from Tom Ince.
On the brink of half-time, he sprinted clear of the San Marino defence and was brought down in the area by Andrea Manzaroli, the opposition stopper, who was promptly shown a straight red card. Tottenham's Harry Kane then converted from the spot to make it 2-0.
Kane needed a second attempt to side-foot England's third from a tight angle in the 64th minute after latching onto a fine through ball from Sterling.
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The Reds' No.31 departed shortly after to make way for Burnley striker Danny Ings - and then in the 89th minute, Kane completed his hat-trick to seal the 4-0 rout.
Elsewhere, Tiago Ilori played the full 90 minutes as Portugal ran out 3-0 winners against Israel in their UEFA U21 Championship qualifier at the Estadio Municipal in Marinha Grande.
The Reds' summer signing helped keep things tight at the back as goals from Sporting's William Carvalho, Galatasaray's Bruma and an own-goal from Taleb Tawatha handed the Portuguese a comfortable win.
Earlier in the day, Jordon Ibe was in action for England U19s as they rescued a point against Slovenia in the first game of their UEFA U19 Championship qualifying campaign.
Ibe was substituted in the 83rd minute - and moments later, Chelsea's Lewis Baker cancelled out Maks Barisic's early opener to clinch a draw.