COLCHESTER United’s under-23s came up against an England international goalkeeper when they played their latest Professional Development League Two game this afternoon.

Kevin Horlock’s side faced Burnley in their penultimate game of the season and found themselves playing against Nick Pope, who made his England debut last year in a friendly against Costa Rica.

The U’s, who had four trialists in their starting line-up, were beaten 3-0 at the Barnfield Training Centre.

Ben Woods fired just over from long range for Burnley early on and Rob Harker then broke through on goal and shot just wide of the post, as the hosts started well.

The Clarets went close again after 20 minutes when Harker’s effort sailed narrowly wide, after he had been picked out by striker Lewis Richardson.

And although Colchester trialist Kwame Poku forced Pope to make a decent save, the visitors took the lead soon after through Harker who netted from close range after he had latched onto Bobby Thomas’ cushioned header.

Colchester went in at the break trailing but started the second half brightly and Todd Miller’s cross whistled just past the post for the visitors, just after half-time.

However, Burnley doubled their lead with 20 minutes remaining through Harker, who netted past U’s keeper Callum Coulter after Dan Agyei had done well to set him up.

To their credit, Colchester kept going in search of a route back into the game.

But Burnley wrapped up their victory with two minutes remaining when Woods scored past Coulter for his second of the match.

Colchester United: Coulter, Ige, Armsworth, Hyde, Barnes, Sayer, Anderson, Poku, Miller, Charles, Hilton.