Raheem Sterling ensured Liverpool's League Cup semi-final with Chelsea remains evenly poised after he produced a moment of magic to earn a 1-1 first leg draw.
In front of a red hot Anfield crowd, the visitors were awarded a spot-kick after Emre Can's challenge on Eden Hazard midway through the first half, and the Belgian duly converted from 12 yards.
England international Sterling, however, fired a deserved equaliser on the hour mark with a superb run and finish, beating Three Lions team-mate and Blues defender Gary Cahill along the way.
Two other members of Roy Hodgson’s squad, Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana, also featured for Liverpool but they were unable to produce a late winner despite plenty of late pressure on the Chelsea goal.
The two sides will meet in the second leg at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday 27 January.
Patrick Bamford was on target for Middlesbrough
A number of England youngsters were in action in The Football League, and Under-21 striker Patrick Bamford will be happiest of the bunch.
The on-loan Chelsea man notched his eighth league goal of the season as he opened the scoring for Middlesbrough against Cardiff City.
He was assisted by Adam Reach, before the winger, who has represented the Young Lions at U20 level, was involved in the build-up for Lee Tomlin’s second.
Kenwyne Jones pulled one back late on for the Welsh side, but Ben Gibson (U21) and his fellow Boro defenders held firm to secure a 2-1 victory to move up to second in the league.
They now trail leaders Bournemouth by just one point after they went down 1-0 at Elland Road against Leeds United. The Cherries included another member of Gareth Southgate’s squad, Callum Wilson, as the hosts played England U18s midfielder Lewis Cook in their midfield.
There was yet another member of the U21 squad in action as goalkeeper Sam Johnstone lined up in goal for Preston North End in League One.
The on-loan Manchester United shotstopper played the full ninety minutes of his side’s 1-1 draw with Yeovil.
