PEARCE'S LIONS SQUEEZE INTO THE FINALS

STUART PEARCE'S England Under-21 side secured their place at the next year's European Championship Finals with a gritty 0-0 draw in the Romania.

The early kick-off was always going to provide a real test for the young Lions after their 2-1 first leg success courtesy of the Chris Smalling's late winner.

With danger-man Gabriel Torje pulling the strings, England had to weather plenty of pressure before the final whistle sounded in the Botosani.

Torje forced Frankie Fielding into a save in the very first minute but home keeper Silviu Lung was also worked by the Chelsea striker Danny Sturridge, who replaced Jack Wilshere in the starting line-up.

Sturridge was again thwarted by Lung before good work by Phil Jones and Michael Mancienne snuffed out potential threats at the other end.

Tom Cleverley was unable to get a decent connection on a Ryan Bertrand cross but England were then forced on to the back foot for the remainder of the first half.

Marius Alexe blazed over when Fielding could only parry a Torje effort and the Blackburn keeper kept out Cornel Rapa with a fine stop and then parried away another attempt by the excellent Torje.

The second half saw Romania continue to seek a breakthrough with Torje volleying off target and Fielding twice denying Florin Gardos.

A Cleverley free-kick that worked Lung aside, England were having to see this one out as Stefan Braboianu tried his luck from long distance but again could find no way past Fielding, who survived one nervy moment from a speculative Sabrin Sburlea shot.

There was almost late drama from a Torje corner but Fabrice Muamba eventually cleared and Pearce's charges survived to clinch an impressive 2-1 aggregate victory against the strong opponents that should not be under-estimated.