Romania sealed a 4-2 win during a frantic finish in Cesena as the Young Lions suffered a second straight defeat at the Under-21s Euros in Italy.
All six goals came in the final 14 minutes after George Puscas’s penalty opened the scoring in the second half.
Demarai Gray and Tammy Abraham twice levelled for England, but Aidy Boothroyd’s side eventually succumbed to two late goals, leaving them bottom of Group C after two games played.
Saints’ Angus Gunn, who hasn’t yet featured, will hope to see some action in their final group test; they face Croatia at San Marino Stadium on Monday evening, 8pm BST.