Nathaniel Chalobah made his England Under-21’s debut last night as Stuart Pearce’s side ran out 2-0 winners against Northern Ireland.

Watford’s Northern Irish duo of Lee Hodson and Adam Thompson both started in what was a comfortable friendly win for the Three Lions at Blackpool’s Bloomfield Road.

In what was a youthful England squad, 17-year-old Chalobah started amongst the substitutes for Pearce's side.

The on-loan Chelsea youngster, who has made nine appearances for the Hornets this season, was introduced in the 76th minute in place of captain Jordan Henderson in the centre of midfield.

Hodson, winning his tenth under-21 cap, started at right-back for Steve Robinson’s side and was replaced at half-time by Fleetwood Town defender Conor McLaughlin.

Thompson played 78 minutes of the clash, starting at centre-back. The 20-year-old defender was replaced with 12 minutes remaining by Ranger’s Christopher Hegarty.

Goals from Connor Wickham and Benik Afobe sealed the victory for England.