England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce took the positives out of tonight's goalless draw with Ukraine which left his side needing to beat Czech Republic on Sunday to avoid an early exit from the European Under-21 Championship.

Pearce's Young Lions failed to improve upon their disappointing display in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Spain, despite playing arguably inferior opponents at Herning's MCH Arena.

He said: "We've played two matches against two really tough sides.

"The only goal we've conceded in that time was a really poor set-play so that side of the game's been pretty good.

"We just really have to maybe take the odd chance, create one or two clear-cut chances, because we've got the ability to score goals - that's for sure.

"The back four and the goalkeeper enjoy defending. I thought Phil Jones was a colossus today, as were the rest of them."

Looking ahead to this weekend's must-win encounter with the Czechs, Pearce added: "We'll learn lessons, as we always will.

"We'll move on from there. We've got an extra day's recovery and we have to face the Czechs.

"We know what's ahead of us. We've got to win the game or we're going home - simple as that."

England U21s: Fielding, Walker, Smalling, Jones, Bertrand, Henderson, Mancienne (Muamba 89), Rodwell (Lansbury 57), Sturridge, Welbeck, Rose (Sinclair 58). Subs (not used): McCarthy, Albrighton, Tomkins, Cork,Cleverley, Delfouneso, Wickham, Steele.