Lita too late to save Taylor's men from Dutch masterclass

England U21s 1 - Netherlands U-21s

Leroy Lita, of Bristol City, grabbed a late consolation goal for England last night but Peter Taylor's side could not stop the Netherlands gaining a deserved victory in front of a record crowd of more than 33,000 at Pride Park.

Leroy Lita, of Bristol City, grabbed a late consolation goal for England last night but Peter Taylor's side could not stop the Netherlands gaining a deserved victory in front of a record crowd of more than 33,000 at Pride Park.

Collins John, Fulham's Dutch striker, had started the rot against England with a goal in the 18th minute, stabbing home from close range after getting on the end of Edson Braafheid's dangerous low cross from the left flank.

John had scored on this ground against Derby in the FA Cup. Peter Taylor's side had their chances, particularly Dean Ashton in the opening minutes, but were no match for the visitors. England had a great opportunity to level after 33 minutes when the visitors failed to clear a free-kick. The ball fell to Liam Ridgewell but the centre-back blasted over.

However, Foppe De Haan's side retaliated by grabbing a second goal seven minutes before the interval when Joger got on the end of Stijn Schaars' cross from the left. The Vitesse striker, one of the smallest player on the pitch, headed confidently past Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson.

Lita came on as a substitute in the 65th minute to make his Under-21 debut.

As England's endeavours became more urgent in the closing stages, Lita had an effort from a corner which flashed wide as the home side enjoyed the majority of possession.

The 20-year-old then scored in the 90th minute when he headed in from close range. Taylor's side pushed forward but could not find a leveller.

ENGLAND UNDER-21: Carson; Hoyte, Baines, Huddlestone, Taylor, Ridgewell, Routledge, Whittingham, Cole, Ashton, Milner. Substitutes: Marney, Camp, Richardson, Harding, Stead, Lita, Welsh, Watson, Carter, Lonergan.

NETHERLANDS UNDER-21: Waterman; Verhaegh, Wolfgang, Van Mosselveld, Braafheid, Schaars, De Ridder, Fafiani, John, Hofs, Joger. Substitutes: Korf, De Zeeuw, Tuyp, Pasveer, Maduro, Van Der Struyk.

Referee: D Ceferin (Slovenia)