UNDER-21s AWAIT THEIR FATE

Pearce - side await draw.

Stuart Pearce's England Under-21s will find out on Friday who they will face in a play-off to reach next year's European Championships in Sweden.

Pearce's youngsters finished top of their qualifying group and are now a two-legged tie away from competing in the tournament in which they reached the last four in 2007.

Holders Holland, who defeated England in a marathon penalty shoot-out in Heerenveen last June, were knocked out this week after losing to Switzerland, with former Tottenham full-back Reto Ziegler grabbing the only goal of their match.

Portugal also missed out on a play-off place but Italy, Spain, Germany and France will be in the hat for the draw in Malmo.

Wales earned a place following a 3-0 win in Romania this week, with boss Brian Flynn admitting: "It's been a little bit of a rollercoaster ride lately but the rollercoaster is on the way back up and long may it continue."

Turkey, Switzerland, Finland, Austria, Serbia, Belarus, Israel and Denmark are the other teams involved.

England finished top of their group and only dropped points when they travelled to Portugal.

Theo Walcott, hero for the seniors this week with his goals against Croatia, played in the under-21 qualifiers last season before getting promoted to Fabio Capello's squad.