England Seal Under-21 European Championship Spot After Victory in Croatia

England have booked their place in the 2015 Under-21 European Championships after their second-leg play-off victory over Croatia.

Goals from Leicester City's Liam Moore and Will Hughes of Derby County saw Gareth Southgate's side secure qualification for next year's competition in the Czech Republic with a 4-2 aggregate scoreline after a 2-1 win on the night.

An excellent save from Jack Butland after just three minutes ensured the visitors held on to their slender advantage before an unmarked Moore volleyed in from close range from Tom Carroll's accurate corner kick six minutes later to give his side a healthy lead.

Croatia drew level just before half-time after Mario Livaja shrugged off a challenge from Moore to latch on to a long through ball and slide past Butland.

That goal ensured the hosts needed just one goal to force extra time and two to send England out.

But Southgate's young side rarely looked like surrendering their lead, with West Brom's Saido Berahino coming close to sparking early celebrations after striking the post on the hour, denying him what would have been his 11<sup>th goal in 12 games for the Under-21 ranks.

And it was England who grabbed the decisive third with just over 15 minutes remaining as Hughes turned past his marker on the edge of the box before drilling a fine effort past Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic.