England U21 3-0 Northern Ireland U21: Liverpool duo Tyler Morton and Harvey Elliott strike in victory at Goodison Park as Lee Carsley's side keep the pressure on group leaders Ukraine

It might not have been the way he imagined when growing up as a Scouser in the Liverpool academy, but to score the first goal of his career at Everton’s Goodison Park marked a special day for Tyler Morton.

The midfielder, on loan at Hull City and one of three Tigers in the squad, helped England to their a thumping win over Northern Ireland in a European Championships qualifier, with Liverpool team-mate Harvey Elliott joining him by scoring a brace on the ground of his club’s rivals.

Morton took a powerful clearance down well with his chest before scoring from distance on the half-volley, before Elliott fired in a long-range free-kick and then doubled his tally with a fine chip after darting behind the defence.

It was far from the febrile noise expected at Goodison on Sunday for the visit of Manchester United, in which Everton fans will protest against their 10-point Premier League deduction, but it was still a proud night for the Toffees as defender Jarrad Branthwaite was captain.

Branthwaite, who has started the last 12 Everton games and lost just four of those, was watched by club manager Sean Dyche in the stands, along with several EFL bosses and Gareth Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland spotted on scouting missions.