Reality Czech for Pearce’s Boys

England under 21's 1-2 Czech Republic under 21's

England Under-21’s hopes of progressing through to the European Championships semi-final against hosts Denmark were ended by a demoralising last gasp double against the Czech Republic in Group B.

Danny Welbeck’s 76^th minute header looked to have given the Young Lions all three valuable points that would see them finish second behind group winners Spain – who defeated Ukraine 3-0.

However, Czech coach Jakub Dovalil’s double substitution proved to be decisive as first Jan Chramosta in the 89^th minute, and then Tomas Pekhart in the 94^th minute, broke English hearts.

In an all too familiar position for any England side in a major tournament, only a win would do for Stuart Pearce’s side.

The Czech’s played a risky game, choosing to defend for large periods, but their robust and well drilled back line coped well with both Danny Sturridge and his namesake: Welbeck. When breached, goalkeeper Tomas Vaclik demonstrated he was on hand to keep England at bay and did so when he tipped Scott Sinclair’s vicious first half strike to safety.

England perhaps weren’t desperate enough and should have trusted in their own back four to cover with the impressive Phil Jones always on hand to stop opposition attacks and occasionally left to create some of his own from centre half.

Salvation seemed nigh though when Sturridge whipped an inviting near post cross for his strike partner Welbeck to nod home from close range and only 14 minutes remaining on the clock. The goalscorer was overjoyed, the creator relieved, Pearce pensive. He’d been here before.

It seemed England’s endeavour and braver nature would be rewarded and although Pearce shored up his side with substitutes Rose and Albrighton, his opposite number’s final roll of the dice paid dividends.

The forward pairing of Chramosta and Pekhart delivered the coup de grace when the former followed up a deflected pot shot and poked home seconds within the ninety before he turned provider squaring for the latter to sweep home with the last kick of the game as England were left chasing, and ultimately stunned.

Man of the Match – Kyle Walker: Pace, invention and graft as usual from the right back. A senior cap is just around the corner.