England coach Brian Eastick is delighted his side finally showed their worth against Italy - even if it did not bring them the win they so desperately required.
A goalless draw means the Three Lions head into their final game against Greece on Sunday knowing they must win and hope the Italians fail to beat hosts the Czech Republic in order to reach the semi-finals.
Eastick knows it is a difficult task. But he is delighted England at least put their dismal showing against the Czechs behind them.
"It was a much better performance," he said.
"I felt it was certainly more like the kind of football this squad is capable of producing and in the end, I am a little bit disappointed we did not sneak a win.
"I suppose you do look at things and wonder why we did not play like that in the first game but you are talking about young lads and there is bound to be an element of inconsistency."
England, who dominated possession, came closest after just 14 minutes when Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs struck the Italian bar.
Manchester City duo Daniel Sturridge and Ben Mee also went close before Scott Sinclair almost made the perfect introduction in stoppage time.
Italy had their chances as well but David Button, whose mistake proved so crucial against the Czechs, made a series of key saves.
"At times I thought our football was excellent," said Eastick.
"Qualification is out of our hands but I really think the players deserve a lot of credit for their performance this evening."