Mark Noble and Nigel Reo-Coker played their part as England
progressed to the semi-finals of the European Under-21
Championships with a 2-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday
evening.
The Hammers pair were again partnered in the centre of midfield together as Stuart Pearce's team progressed to the last four thanks to goals in either half from Leroy Lita and Matt Derbyshire.
After Lita had opened the scoring inside the first five minutes, the game's tempo slowed down before exploding into life in the 77th minute, as Derbyshire grabbed a controversial second. With an opposition defender lying injured in the penalty area, the Blackburn striker found himself onside to slam home, leading to crazy scenes, as the livid Serbians surrounded the goalscorer and virtually sparked a mini-riot.
England were dealt a blow in the final moments, as substitute Tom Huddlestone was shown a red card for foul and abusive language, while there were further ugly scenes after the final whistle as Serbia continued their protests in the tunnel, amid accusations of racist abuse towards England's black players.
England will now face the hosts Holland in Heerenveen on Wednesday night and, with Serbia also through to face Belgium in the other semi-final, there is also the possibility of the two sides coming face to face again in the final next Saturday.
One man hoping to be back for the semi-finals is Anton Ferdinand, who came close to making his return from a groin injury this evening and will now try to persuade Stuart Pearce that the country stand a greater chance of glory with three West Ham United players in the starting line-up…!
The Hammers pair were again partnered in the centre of midfield together as Stuart Pearce's team progressed to the last four thanks to goals in either half from Leroy Lita and Matt Derbyshire.
After Lita had opened the scoring inside the first five minutes, the game's tempo slowed down before exploding into life in the 77th minute, as Derbyshire grabbed a controversial second. With an opposition defender lying injured in the penalty area, the Blackburn striker found himself onside to slam home, leading to crazy scenes, as the livid Serbians surrounded the goalscorer and virtually sparked a mini-riot.
England were dealt a blow in the final moments, as substitute Tom Huddlestone was shown a red card for foul and abusive language, while there were further ugly scenes after the final whistle as Serbia continued their protests in the tunnel, amid accusations of racist abuse towards England's black players.
England will now face the hosts Holland in Heerenveen on Wednesday night and, with Serbia also through to face Belgium in the other semi-final, there is also the possibility of the two sides coming face to face again in the final next Saturday.
One man hoping to be back for the semi-finals is Anton Ferdinand, who came close to making his return from a groin injury this evening and will now try to persuade Stuart Pearce that the country stand a greater chance of glory with three West Ham United players in the starting line-up…!