'It's in our hands now'

Steven Taylor underlined that "it's in our hands now" after England drew 2-2 with Italy to move second in Group B, meaning victory against Serbia on Sunday will see them through to the UEFA European Under-21 Championship semi-finals.

'Nightmare'
The Newcastle United FC defender was suspended for England's first outing, forced to watch from the sidelines as Stuart Pearce's team were held to a disappointing goalless draw by the Czech Republic. He was back in the side for the Azzurrini match, however, and almost made an immediate impression in Arnhem when his header brought a fine save from Emiliano Viviano – it was the start of a welcome return. "For anyone who has had to sit out the first game at a tournament, they'll know it's a nightmare," the 21-year-old told uefa.com. "It was great to be back in the side and we've done well tonight with the result we wanted."

'Hard work'
The point was earned in dramatic circumstances as England dominated the first half-hour in what Taylor described as "the best spell we've had as a team", taking a two-goal lead through David Nugent and Leroy Lita. Yet Italy recovered, pulling one back through Giorgio Chiellini on 35 minutes before bossing the second period as Pearce's men struggled in the rising heat of the Gelredome after the stadium roof was closed. "It was a bit humid out there," said Nugent, who was taken off midway through the second half, moments after Alberto Aquilani had equalised. "There were thunderstorms outside so obviously it was a good idea [to close the roof] and both teams had to deal with it. It was really hard work.

Crowd pleaser
"It was a great game for the fans. We took a 2-0 lead and I think we should have won it. We tried to kill the game off but the Italians are a great side to come back the way they did. A draw was a fair result." It means England control their own destiny as they go into their final group fixture against section winners Serbia in Nijmegen on two points - one ahead of the Czechs and Italy who meet in Arnhem. "We're second in the table and all we've got to do now is beat Serbia and we're through," Nugent continued. "That's where we want to be – in the top two."