England U-21 3-0 Rep of Ire U-21

The hosts broke the Republic's spirited resistance on the hour mark when Stephen O'Halloran deflected James Milner's low cross into his own net.

Andy Keogh wasted three decent close-range chances for the visitors.

And as Ireland tired, the excellent Milner drilled in a low drive from 25 yards, while Theo Walcott sealed the win with a delightful clipped finish.

Stuart Pearce's side now need only a point from their final group game against Portugal to claim top spot and guarantee a play-off place.

"I'm delighted with my team. It took us a while to break them down but we learned how to be patient.

"We never looked liked conceding and had a good cutting edge going forward."

England U21: Hart, Gardner, Wheater, Taylor, Mattock, Lennon, Noble (Surman 85), Muamba, Huddlestone (Jerome 79), Milner, Walcott (Johnson 85).
Subs Not Used: Lewis, Mancienne, Moore, O'Hara.

Booked: Wheater, Johnson.

Goals: O'Halloran 60 og, Milner 68, Walcott 78.

Rep of Ireland U21: Randolph, Nolan, O'Cearuill, O'Dea, O'Halloran, O'Toole, Garvan, Quinn (Morris 83), Stokes (O'Brien 87), Clarke (Rooney 65), Andrew Keogh.
Subs Not Used: Supple, Richard Keogh, Dennehy, McFaul.

Booked: Garvan.

Att: 31,473

Ref: Jouni Hyytia (Finland).

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