Albion goal machine Bobby Zamora was the victim of managerial madness at Hull last night as England under-21s scraped an eventful 3-2 friendly victory against Serbia and Montenegro.

David Platt's baffling decision to start Zamora out of position on the left side of midfield in a 4-4-2 formation backfired badly.

The Seagulls' centre forward not surprisingly looked uncomfortable in a role which often forced him to track back and defend.

Zamora's misfortune was compounded by Platt switching him to the opposite flank in the closing stages of the first half and he was eventually replaced by Darren Ambrose on 58 minutes when the score was 1-1.

At least Zamora had the satisfaction of linking up with former Albion loan signing Steve Sidwell to create England's opening goal early on. Reading midfielder Sidwell floated a free-kick for Zamora to head across the face of the six-yard box.

The Serb keeper appeared to be impeded by Phil Jagielka before Shola Ameobi scored.

Branimir Petrovic equalised for the visitors, then Jermain Defoe restored England's lead.

Srdan Stanic levelled again late on, but sub Darren Bent's header snatched a fourth win in 12 games under Platt.

Zamora must now depend on Platt making amends for his tactical blunder by persevering with him in the squad of 18 for next Tuesday's European Championship qualifier against Slovakia at Sunderland.

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