Liverpool U21s were beaten 2-0 in their opening game of this season’s EFL Trophy, with Rhys Williams and Jay Spearing both starting as over-age players.

Burton Albion 2-0 Liverpool U21s

EFL Trophy (1) | Pirelli Stadium
September 2, 2025

Goals: Tavares 37′, Larsson 67′

The EFL Trophy – known this season as the Vertu Trophy – pits academy teams from the Premier League and Championship against senior sides from League One and League Two.

Liverpool were drawn against Burton, Crewe and Chesterfield in Group H and began their tournament with a trip to Burton’s Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday night.

With a number of players injured and others on international duty, it meant Rob Page made seven changes from the side that beat Stoke U21s 2-1 four days previous.

BURTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 2, 2025: Liverpool's captain Rhys Williams during the English Football League Trophy Northern Group H match between Burton Albion FC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at The Burton Albion FC Stadium. Burton won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Williams, 24, was among those to come into the lineup and wore the captain’s armband, while 36-year-old player-coach Jay Spearing started in midfield to lead by example against seasoned professionals.

Unfortunately for a side unable to call upon the likes of Trey Nyoni, Rio Ngumoha, Jayden Danns, Trent Kone-Doherty and regular goalkeepers Armin Pecsi and Kornel Misciur, it resulted in a comprehensive defeat.

There were bright moments in the first half, not least from Kaide Gordon – denied a loan move to Blackpool on deadline day – and summer signing Will Wright.

BURTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 2, 2025: Liverpool's Kaide Gordon takes on Burton Albion's Dylan Williams during the English Football League Trophy Northern Group H match between Burton Albion FC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at The Burton Albion FC Stadium. Burton won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

But the young Reds went a goal down not long before half-time as Fabio Tavares beat goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek at the second time of asking.

Kieran Morrison went closest to equalising after the break, with the 18-year-old winger working his way into the box and firing an effort which required a sharp save.

Burton’s nous showed as they wrapped up a 2-0 win in the 67th minute, as forward Julian Larsson cut inside from the right flank to bend an effort beyond Mrozek and in.

BURTON, ENGLAND - Tuesday, September 2, 2025: Liverpool's captain Rhys Williams reacts as Burton Albion score the opening goal during the English Football League Trophy Northern Group H match between Burton Albion FC and Liverpool FC Under-21's at The Burton Albion FC Stadium. Burton won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

While it was a frustrating result for Liverpool it will still be considered a productive night for Page and his side, with many of the club’s high-potential youngsters gaining valuable experience against senior opponents.

They are now left with over a fortnight between games due to the international break, with their next clash coming at home to Man United U21s in the league.

Liverpool U21s: Mrozek; Davidson (Pitt 65′), Pinnington, Williams, Miles; Spearing (Laffey 56′), Pilling; Morrison, Gordon, Ahmed (Onanuga 65′); Wright (Figueroa 56′)

Subs not used: Hall, Lucky, Airoboma

Next match: Man United (H) – Premier League 2 – Sunday, September 21, 2pm (BST)