Foxes’ Gray enjoying England under 21 freedom under Boothroyd

Demarai Gray is enjoying the extra freedom given to him under England under-21s boss Aidy Boothroyd, but has returned to Leicester City due to injury.

It means the 20-year-old will not travel with the national squad for Monday’s friendly with France,despite having scored in last week’s Euro 2017 qualifier against Italy.

Gray was initially deployed in a more central attacking role for England, a significant change to the wing where he has spent the majority of his season at Leicester.

And the Foxes man will return to the King Power full of confidence after another bright display for the Three Lions.

“Every time I come here I want to impress,” he said.

“I scored again which is a good confidence boost for me but I like being away with the lads and games like Italy are why.

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“I like how we play. I have a bit more of a free licence and I think I can be effective there.

“When I drift out wide I can do the same, run at players, and that is what I do.

“It was a tough game and we had to change our shape, and I did end up out wide, but we got the win and that was what it was all about.”