England under-21's reach Euros after Welsh thriller
Aston Villa's James Milner was instrumental in England's success on his home ground
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John Terry and Ashley Cole have been ruled out of England's midweek World Cup qualifier in Belarus through injury. |  |
Tuesday, 14, Oct 2008 10:21
England's under-21's qualified for next summer's European Championship's in Sweden after a 2-2 draw against Wales at Villa Park.
That meant that England triumphed 5-4 over the two-legs in what was a thrilling tie.
The only blot on England's copybook was the dismissal of Tottenham midfielder Tom Huddlestone, who may now be suspended for the group stages next summer.
Huddlestone had opened the scoring with an early free-kick to give Stuart Pearce's side a two-goal aggregate lead, but the impressive Welsh hit back quickly with a superb goal from the outstanding Aaron Ramsey.
Simon Church made it 4-4 on aggregate before England drew level on the night and into the lead on aggregate when the unfortunate Sam Vokes put through his own goal.
Pearce brought on Fabrice Muamba in a bid to stem the impression Ramsey was making, and the change had the desired effect.
Gabriel Agbonlahor, who was due to fly to Minsk after the game to join up with the senior squad, departed at half-time through injury and will now stay in Birmingham for treatment, but Joe Hart and David Wheater will be flying to Belarus.
The second-period was a tighter affair, with Huddlestone's dismissal giving Wales a glimmer of hope.
Vokes hit the post but England, with Michael Mancienne outstanding in defence, held on and will now be among the favourites in Sweden next summer.