England March On With Toon Duo

Last updated : 18 June 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Leroy Lita had headed Stuart Pearce's youngsters ahead early on and Matt Derbyshire added a second goal 13 minutes from full-time in Nijmegen, but Serbia players were furious as they had a man down at the time and their reaction sparked a mass brawl which involved most of the players.

Tom Huddlestone was then sent off for dissent in the final minute.

UEFA will wait until the match delegate hands in his report, by which time England will be preparing for next week's semi-final.

The 4-4-2 formation which served them against Italy was used again, and Lita's early strike calmed the nerves. The Reading striker won a free-kick after five minutes when he was man-handled by Nikola Petkovic. Steven Taylor nodded James Milner's set-piece across the face of the goal and Lita swooped to head home.

Despite Serbia tried to claim a penalty when Taylor challenged Zoran Tosic, but the referee didn't want to know.

UEFA officials were then forced to give an anti-racism announcement over the public address system after chants were heard.

Onuoha, helped by team-mates who rallied around him at the break, maintained his concentration and completed a tidy performance despite the ugly scenes.

Petkovic hit a free-kick straight at Carson, while Lita survived another penalty claim when Gojko Kacar was challenged. Carson then saved from a Predrag Pavlovic drive and punched from under his crossbar from a corner by Nikola Drincic. Kacar then headed over from close range after meeting a corner.

After the break, Milner's slip almost let Serbia in but Carson saved with his feet when Djordje Ivelja raced through. He also had to save from Pavlovic's volley.

Despite the threat of an equaliser, England remained with two strikers, looking for a goal on the counter attack. Lita's overhead kick from Milner's cross almost provided a second goal but goalkeeper Aleksandar Kesic palmed away for a corner.

Lita was taken off for the last 20 minutes, with Derbyshire coming on and adding the second after Richardson lobbed the ball through to him, but the England celebrations sparked the mass brawl.

Huddlestone was brought on but received his marching orders, and there was still time for Leighton Baines to clear off the line in stoppage-time.

Wed 20 Holland v England (5.15pm) Semi-final
Wed 20 Serbia v Belgium (7.45pm) Semi-final

Thu 21 3rd place play-off (7.45pm) Play-off

Sat 23 Final (7.45pm) Final