Cyrille Regis honoured before England U21 Molineux win

The friendly between Romania and England was dubbed the Cyrille Regis International in tribute to the former West Brom, Wolves and Aston Villa striker, and a minute's applause was held before the game.

Both sides gathered around the centre-circle and joined around 16,000 fans in celebrating the life of Regis, who died of a suspected heart attack aged 59 in January.

Regis' wife Julia and daughter Michelle were at the Wolves ground as wreaths were laid by representatives of Regis' four former Midland clubs - Wolves, Albion, Villa and Coventry - ahead of the 5.15pm kick off.

Prior to the match Demarai Gray, who was made captain for his first game at Molineux, spoke of his shock at learning of Regis' death and said the team were looking forward to paying their respects.

"The game has been dedicated to Cyrille Regis, which is important for us so we can try and use our performance as a tribute to his life and achievements in the game," the Leicester City winger said.

"It was such a shock, to wake up and hear the news of his passing back in January and it took a while to sink in but it was clear that everyone respected what type of man he was.

"I met Cyrille a few times as he was the agent of one of my best friends in football and we had a few conversations when I’d seen him around Birmingham over the years.

"He’d always give me genuine advice and that’s something which I’ll always remember.

"He was such a nice guy and what he did in the game and the impact he had, it was such a big thing.

"Being a black player myself, I understand what he did and how it’s still impacting us today.

"The impact he had at his clubs is shown as all the fans are still showing their appreciation, and he broke up the divide in so many ways.

"He did a lot and everyone in the game is respectful and understands that.

"It’s important to remember history and it’ll be great to pay our respects to him on Saturday."

U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd also paid tribute, saying he hoped the result, and goals, would act as a fitting tribute.

"I didn't get to know him until after he finished playing. I always found him to be a charming man, quietly spoken, who will be sorely missed," he added.

"Hopefully our number nines can score a couple of worldie goals which can pay tribute to him."

Wolves goalkeeper Harry Burgoyne was on the bench for the friendly after being called up as injury cover, while Dean Henderson - who Manchester United have loaned to Shrewsbury - started between the sticks.

Josh Onomah, who is on loan at Villa from Spurs, was also on the bench.

The game is England's last before playing Ukraine in Euro 2019 qualifiers in Sheffield on Tuesday.

The Young Lions are already five points clear at the top of Group Four.