Academy Pair Feature For England

Both players were picked to start the game in front of over 1,000 fans at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium, but despite Layton registering his first international goal early in the second half, they were unable to prevent a narrow 2-1 defeat.
Trailing to a 14th minute strike from Portugal forward Moreto, England hit back just two minutes after the interval when Ndukwu smartly converted a right-wing cross from Chelsea’s Jacob Maddox.
The hosts looked the more likely winners from that point, but were hit on the counter while pressing for a winner – substitute Tavares securing a victory for the Portuguese with a fine strike seven minutes from time.
While Ndukwu was withdrawn in the closing stages, central defender Johnson completed the full 80 minutes for John Peacock’s side and watching City Academy Director Jon Rudkin was suitably impressed.
He told lcfc.com: “I think both players can be really pleased with the way they performed. Against quality opposition in wet conditions, they both acquitted themselves very well and it was obviously very pleasing for Layton to get himself on the score sheet.
“I’m sure they would have both hoped for a positive result and will be disappointed to have lost the game, but their performances showed they are establishing themselves at that level.”