Zaha inspires England against Romania

England maintained their momentum ahead of June's UEFA European Under-21 Championship by posting a record eighth consecutive victory and clean sheet in a 3-0 success against Romania.

Ubiquitous forward Wilfried Zaha stole the show and was rewarded with the goal his daring display merited after 34 minutes. Jack Robinson doubled the home team's advantage on the hour mark and with the clock ticking down, Nathan Delfouneso – a fifth-minute substitute for the injured Henri Lansbury – completed the formalities from close range.

On the back foot for long stretches, it was Romania who showed early sparkle as Andre Wisdom blocked Adrian Avrămia's goal-bound effort. England's response was swift, Zaha's swashbuckling run and cut back found Raheem Sterling, whose firm strike stung the palms of goalkeeper Laurentiu Branescu. The fleet-footed winger took receipt of Jordan Henderson's tee up and sliced into the side netting moments later. 

The passing was crisp, precise and with purpose and it came as little surprise when Zaha ended the visitors' resistance. Cutting a silky swathe through a hesitant back line, the Manchester United FC-bound forward combined with Sterling and caressed the ball beyond the reach of Branescu and into the far corner.

If Romania hoped the interval would inspire a transformation, they were mistaken as the hosts resumed with the same air of authority. Jonjo Shelvey found space on the right and picked out Liverpool FC team-mate Jack Robinson to steer in at the back post. Zaha's audacity almost conjured a stunning third late on, before Delfouneso tapped in. 

England: Butland (Steele 87); Clyne (Smith 71), Rose (Robinson 45), Chalobah (Carroll 73), Wisdom; Dawson, Lansbury (Delfouneso 5), Henderson (Lowe 73); Zaha (Wickham 87), Shelvey, Sterling (Sordell 61).