Stuart Pearce believes England will need the three points against Serbia to go through.
By Jamie Bradbury. Sunday, 17 June 2007.
2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship
De Goffert Stadion, Nijmegen
7.45pm (UK time), Sunday 17 June 2007
Live on Sky Sports
England Coach Stuart Pearce is only focusing on victory as the Under-21s head in to their final Group B game against Serbia tonight.
The Three Lions will join the Serbians in the Semi-Finals if they win in Nijmegen, but could also go through with a draw – providing that Italy and the Czech Republic also draw in the other match.
However, after seeing how good the Azzurrini are at close quarters on Thursday night, Pearce is convinced they’ll get all three points in their game meaning England must do the same.
"We know it's not going to be an easy game as we're playing the best side in the group as it stands," he said.
“We have one permutation - winning. We feel if we don't win the game we go out of the competition. I think the Italians will beat the Czechs.”
Serbia have won both of their games so far, beating Italy in their opening game 1-0, then snatching a late win against the Czechs on Thursday night.
With top spot in the group confirmed, Serbian coach Miroslav Djukic may be tempted to ring the changes with yellow cards hanging over a number of their key players, but Pearce will expect a tough test, whoever plays.
"They've qualified by right because they've won two matches so credit to them - they'll be looking forward to the Semi-Final.
"We've obviously got a lot more work to do before we can think about it."
"They've got players on bookings and have played a couple of games and we know it takes it out of you. But the players that have come in have something to prove if they do change, so whichever way it falls we're in for a tough game.”