Liverpool FC duo Jordon Ibe and Joe Gomez both made their England under-21 debuts on Thursday night as they overcame USA under-23s in an international friendly.

The defender was rewarded for his recent form with the Reds, having featured in all four of their Premier League fixtures so far, with a first call-up to Gareth Southgate's squad - whilst Ibe's growing stock saw him also earn a maiden inclusion in the U21s' side. 

England youth duo make debuts for under-21s

The teenagers both started in a Three Lions side packed with promising prospects, Gomez playing in a familiar right-back role and Ibe taking up a position further forward on one of the flanks.

Both produced relatively bright performances, though Gomez was fortunate not to see Jerome Kiesewetter break the deadlock in the first-half after the USA midfielder intercepted his poor backpass. But much to the defender's relief, the angle proved too narrow.

Ibe - who has struggled so far to take his pre-season form into the season - was his usual direct and persistent self. He almost set up an opportunity for Cauley Woodrow, though his cross was deflected out of play, but just as he was beginning to find his way into the game, he was substituted off.

The two were withdrawn on the hour mark as Southgate made a whole host of changes, with the introduction of James Wilson helping to prove the difference as he scored just 10 minutes into his debut.

Former Liverpool Academy graduate Marc Pelosi, now back in his homeland with San Jose Earthquakes, was also involved for USA - who fell to a 1-0 defeat at Preston North End's Deepdale Stadium.

Origi makes late cameo for Belgium

Elsewhere, Divock Origi was a late substitute as Belgium edged closer towards qualification for the 2016 UEFA European Championship next summer, beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-1 on home soil.

The Red Devils initially fell behind, but goals from Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini, a long-range effort from Manchester City newboy Kevin De Bruyne and a penalty from Chelsea's Eden Hazard gave them a commanding lead as 19-year-old Origi entered the pitch with eight minutes remaining.

The youngster, who is yet to make his official Liverpool debut, could have added to the scoreline - but couldn't beat the keeper from Hazard's set-up, whilst Simon Mignolet was an unused substitute.

Christian Benteke was not involved, missing out through a thigh injury, though he is expected to return to fitness to feature in Belgium's trip to Cyprus on Sunday.

Welsh youngsters watch on from the subs bench 

Jordan Williams and Danny Ward, both out on loan for the season, were uninvolved as Wales took one step closer to qualifying for next summer's Euros in France. Chris Coleman's side travelled to Cyprus and came away with a vital 1-0 win after Gareth Bale's late header. 

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About the author
Charlie Malam
Digital Sports Writer at the Daily Express. First-class Staffordshire University Sports Journalism graduate. Formerly VAVEL UK's Liverpool FC editor and Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Contributor since June 2014.