England Under-21 1 Iceland Under-21 2

But it was a rare mistake from Clarets team-mate Jack Cork that gifted the visitors the equaliser in this friendly at Preston North End’s Deepdale, before Iceland grabbed the winner from a corner.

And Cork was withdrawn at half-time, after he was understood to have complained of feeling unwell.

The 21-year-old is believed to be suffering from a virus and was taken to hospital where he is staying overnight as a precaution.

Delfouneso showed great finesse to score the second goal of his Under 21s career.

The 20-year-old Aston Villa front man, who is with the Clarets until the end of the season, was the target for Danny Rose’s perfectly weighted pass, and did it justice with an exquisite finish in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Haraldur Bjornsson in the 13th minute.

But although Stuart Pearce’s side dominated possession and chances, they couldn’t take their lead into the break.

They should have capitalised on their early advantage, with Delfouneso’s Villa Park team-mate Marc Albrighton particularly prominent in attack.

Delfouneso was dangerous ghosting in from the left.

Had wide man Albrighton been more deadly from the right then England would have been home and hosed.

But soon after, onlooking Burnley manager Eddie Howe had watched Delfouneso run off a knock, he saw Cork robbed off possession midway inside the England half by Alfred Finnbogason, who slipped a pass through for Arnor Smarason to finish well.

Delfouneso was replaced with just over 15 minutes to go, but by that time Iceland had scored again after Elfar Helgason’s near post header from Smararson’s corner found the top corner.

ENGLAND U21s (4-1-4-1): Alex McCarthy (Scott Loach 46); Kyle Naughton (Jordan Spence 73), James Tomkins, Nathan Baker, Ryan Bertrand (Joe Bennett 73); Jack Cork; Marc Albrighton, Josh McEachran, Danny Rose, Nathan Delfouneso (Adam Hammill 73); Connor Wickham.

Att: 14,622.