England's Under-21s defeated Northern Ireland in a friendly thanks to a goal in either half at Blackpool's Bloomfield Road this evening.

© PA Photos

The hosts began on top and almost had the lead in the 16th minute when Connor Wickham smacked Jack Robinson's cutback against the crossbar.

Thomas Ince, who was playing at his home ground, also came close but his shot was pushed away by Connor Devlin before England took the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Jordan Henderson swung over a free kick from the right and Wickham stooped low to head into the corner.

In the second half Stuart Pearce made a host of changes, and it wasn't until the 76th minute when another goal was scored.

Arsenal youngster Benik Afobe, who is on loan at Bolton Wanderers, had come off the bench to make his U21 debut and put England two ahead from the penalty spot after being felled by Devlin.