We almost made it through the whole international break without someone picking up a new injury -- Victor Moses had picked one up just prior -- but England U21's Ruben Loftus-Cheek was sent home earlier today with an unspecified problem. Hopefully it's just precaution and he'll be ready to play by the time the League Cup fourth round rolls around in a couple weeks.
Under-21s pair @BenChilwell and @rubey_lcheek have left the squad through injury and returned to @LCFC and @ChelseaFC respectively.
— England (@England) October 11, 2016
The remaining players all took part in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina U21 later in the day. With England already qualified for next summer's Euro U21 tournament, this was basically a friendly. Interim manager Aidy Boothroyd decided to rest a few of his big guns (including Lewis Baker) but did give Tammy Abraham his full debut. Smart decision, Aidy.
After former Chelsea hopeful (and personal favorite, now playing for Reading) John Swift opened the scoring in the 14th minute, Tammy got his first ever U21 goal with an acrobatic finish off of a rebound.
Tammy Abraham scores! His first goal for England U21 in match against Bosnia U21. pic.twitter.com/B6W6zjnA95
— Chelsea Videos (@chelslatest) October 11, 2016
The second one was even better: a lovely run and chip over the onrushing goalkeeper (excellent through ball from Duncan Watmore as well). With a job well done, Tammy was withdrawn in the 73rd minute, and replaced by his FIFA 17 nemesis Demarai Gray.
Tammy Abraham's second goal for England U21 against Bosnia U21. What a man! pic.twitter.com/YnJVENRQVI
— Chelsea Videos (@chelslatest) October 11, 2016
Watmore and debutant Josh Onomah also got on the scoresheet in the 5-0 shellacking. Unfortunately, Nathaniel Chalobah, who captained the side from the start, was substituted off at half-time after he failed to shake off a knock to his lower left leg.
Chalobah is struggling with a heal, ankle or calf complaint. He can sprint, but only just. We shouldn't see him in the second half. #EngU21s
— Matt Read (@MattRead66) October 11, 2016
. @chalobah has been replaced after hobbling off at half-time. Hopefully injury to his left foot is not serious. Played well at CB.
— Matt Read (@MattRead66) October 11, 2016
So, two goals and two injuries. Mostly a good day, and hopefully nothing serious for either Chalobah or RLC.