After complementing Crystal Palace midfielder Tom Soares after the Eagles recent game with Hull City, England U21 boss Peter Taylor kept his word and played Soares from the start in England's surprise 2-1 defeat at the hands of Austria.
Soares started in the centre of midfield for the young Three Lions, but despite a good start which saw Chelsea's Carlton Cole give England the lead, two goals from Marc Janko gave the Austrians the three points.
The Eagles Hungarian duo Gabor Kiraly and Sandor Torghelle also suffered disappointment over the weekend, losing 2-0 to Bulgaria in Sofia.
Torghelle capped a poor night for the Hungarians by getting sent off in the final few minutes for two yellow cards.
There was brighter news for Palace club captain Tony Popovic who played in Australia 5-0 friendly win against Jamaica at Craven Cottage.
Goals from Mark Viduka Marco Bresciano, Archie Thompson, John Aloisi and Joel Griffiths completed the rout, as the Socceroos prepare for their deciding World Cup qualifying tie with either Uruguay, Columbia or Chile.
Aki Riihilahti missed Finland's 1-0 defeat against Romania after getting injured in training. Juventus striker Adrian Mutu scored the only goal of the game form the spot as Romania battle it out with the Czech Republic for the second place spot.
Gary Borrowdale was in action for the England U20 side as they drew 2-2 with Holland at Turf Moor. Southampton striker Dextor Blackstock put the hosts into a 2-1 lead, but a late Tom Zoonjes strike meant Holland earned a draw.
