CHELMSFORD's two England representatives endured a frustrating afternoon as their U16 side were edged out 20-24 by Italy U17s.
New Hall pupil Dominic Morris started the game on the wing, while Great Baddow's Billy Walker also featured as a replacement.
England raced into a 10-0 lead at Lichfield's Cooke Fields ground, but Italy fought back to make the score 13-13 at half-time.
And they continued to press after the break, adding another try and two penalties to seal the win.
"We played some fantastic rugby but didn't quite manage our game in the right parts of the field," said England head coach Phil Stanlake.
"We created bit of pressure for ourselves at kicks offs and the decisions made after the kick-offs. But we need take the lessons from how well we played and certain things we can do with the ball but we also areas where we can improve."
Both Morris and Walker will hope to feature again on Saturday when England take on Wales U16s at Oxford University's Iffley Road.