England U21 v Wales U21 preview

Home nation rivals meet with a place in U21 Euro 2009 at stake

Last updated: 14th October 2008

Stuart Pearce edited 1

Pearce: Yet to lose in open play

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England Under 21s and Wales meet at Villa Park on Tuesday with a place at the 2009 European Championship at stake.

Ahead of the second leg, Stuart Pearce's England enjoy a narrow advantage following a 3-2 victory at Ninian Park on Friday in the opening meeting.

But Wales boss Brian Flynn will be confident his men can overturn the deficit following an unfortunate defeat in Cardiff last week.

England conceded only one goal in the group stages of qualification - a penalty against Portugal - but Simon Church netted a first-leg brace to rattle the Three Lions.

David Wheater, Adam Johnson and Gabriel Agbonlahor scored the goals which gave England their aggregate lead, but Pearce will be expecting another tough test.

Drama

England recognise there is still a job to do if they are to reach next summer's finals in Sweden, but Pearce's squad will also be quietly confident having not lost in open play since a defeat to France in November 2005, a run which stretches beyond their manager's tenure.

And Pearce - who was appointed in February 2007 - has only suffered defeat in last year's finals in Holland when England were dramatically eliminated by their hosts 13-12 on penalties.

As England look for another shot at glory, they could welcome back Middlesbrough defender Andrew Taylor, who has served the suspension which caused him to sit out the first leg.

Joe Hart is expected to keep his place in goal, while Steven Taylor should maintain the captain's armband and Agbonlahor will be charged with providing an attacking threat.

Wales have been weakened by the promotion of defender Lewin Nyatanga - who started the first game - to John Toshack's senior squad.

However, striker Sam Vokes has moved from Toshack's plans and will provide some welcome firepower for Flynn.