Euro U-21′s: ‘Squad Game’ gives England draw

ENG U21 1-1 GER U21

Jack Rodwell marked his first England Under-21 start with a first-half goal as his side managed to finish top of Group B at the 2009 European Under-21 Championships.

Germany had taken an early lead when Gonzalo Castro finished off Jerome Boateng’s through ball from 12 yards.

A much-changed England side levelled on the half hour with Rodwell heading home Craig Gardner’s inswinging corner.

Richard Stearman went close with a late volley as both sides qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament.

England coach Stuart Pearce made 10 changes with only Adam Johnson remaining from the Spain victory last week.

But despite the number of new faces in the side, England started well and it was against the run of play when they went 1-0 down, and the leveller was well-deserved.

England had changed almost all of their starting 11, including a debut for Hearts winger Andrew Driver, but Stuart Pearce was proud of his team, claiming that “all players, 1 to 23, are just as important as each other, it’s a squad game”.

The Young Lions were already through, but on Tuesday their opponents were made as Sweden, who overcame Serbia to finish 2nd in the group. In 1st place were Italy, who came from behind to see off Belarus. Italy play the Germans, and both semis are on Friday.