Mon 11 Feb
Time to read: 1min
Rams striker unable to help England U17 taste defeat against Portugal.
Derby County striker Mason Bennett came off the bench to gain his latest England U17 cap on Sunday afternoon, but the 16-year-old was unable to help the Three Lions avoid defeat against Portugal in the Algarve Tournament.
Bennett had started England’s first game of the competition on Friday against Germany but was rested to allow other members of the squad to display their talents, and once again they were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline.
After taking an early lead against the host nation through Crystal Palace midfielder Reise Allassani, two quickfire goals from Joao Lima and Marcio Martins in the second half saw John Peacock's squad miss out on the chance of successfully defending their Algarve title.
Bennett came off the bench on the hour but was unable to help find a late leveller for England, who will play their last game of the tournament on Tuesday against the Netherlands.
England are due to fly back home straight after the game, meaning Bennett will be available for selection for Derby’s home game against Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend.
