ON-LOAN Burnley defender Michael Keane was substituted at half time with a suspected hamstring injury as England beat Croatia 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Under 21 Championship play-off.

Keane, who made his Burnley debut as a substitute in their 2-2 draw at Leicester City last weekend, started at right back for Gareth Southgate’s England under 21 side at Molineux.

But he was replaced at half time by Tottenham’s Eric Dier and his injury will now be assessed ahead of Tuesday’s second leg in Croatia.

In-form West Bromwich Albion striker Saido Berahino, who scored twice against the Clarets recently, struck the crucial late penalty to give England an advantage to take to Vinkovci.

Croatia had claimed a 13th-minute lead through Marko Livaja but England fought back and hit the post through Luke Shaw before Harry Kane equalised.

England’s victory – their first in three attempts against Croatia at under 21 level – was well deserved after they grew in confidence throughout the game but, with away goals important, a place in next summer’s finals is not yet secure.

England, looking composed in the early stages, carved out the first opportunity when Berahino played a neat one-two with Will Hughes but curled his effort well wide.

Yet while England controlled a lot of possession, Croatia also looked comfortable on the ball and capable of creating chances.

They caught the England defence napping to claim the lead from a corner as captain Niko Datkovic flicked on Filip Bradaric’s cross and the unmarked Livaja nodded in.

Livaja celebrated his potentially crucial away goal amid a crescendo of boos, which quickly turned into band-led chants for England.

Shaw’s ferocious strike rebounded off the far post after a fingertip save from Livakovic before winger Nathan Redmond then brought another fine save from the goalkeeper.

England took the initiative after the interval and their reward came as Berahino clipped in a good cross from the left and Kane guided a deft header into the net.

Five minutes from time Berahino burst into the box and was taken down by the outrushing Livakovic.

Berahino blasted home the resulting spot kick, maintaining his fine form after five goals in his last three games for West Brom.