Two second-half goals led to defeat against Czech Republic for England Under 19s and plenty of work ahead to make the European Championship semi-finals.

Three Chelsea youngsters began Monday's game against the host nation in Jablonec. Jack Cork and Ryan Bertrand (pictured) were played at right and left back respectively; Scott Sinclair began on the right wing but also switched to the left flank at times.

England, who had won five and drawn one of the six matches that led to qualification for this tournament, were not without their qualities during the group stage opener, moving the ball with accuracy and speed at times.

However, despite executing a fine fingertip save during the opening half, a mistake by Tottenham goalkeeper David Button, gifted an opener to the Czech side after 53 minutes.

The beneficiary, Tomas Necid, then scored his second just four minutes later when England failed to deal with a corner adequately.

Bertrand's attacking play down the left was the pick of the Chelsea involvement but Sinclair did not complete the match, his substitution coming on 63 minutes. Jack Cork captained England who exerted pressure late on after red cards reduced the home side to ten men with 17 minutes to go and then nine men with 82 minutes on the clock, but could find no way back.

The England Under 19s next play on Thursday knowing there will be little margin for error as they take on an Italy side who drew their opener against Greece. Kick-off is 7pm UK time.

While the likes of Sinclair, Cork and Bertrand spent much of last season on loan in the Championship, gaining first team experience, younger players were building reputations in the Chelsea reserve and youth teams.

Two were rewarded with professional contracts this week - Shaun Cummings who played right-back and centre-forward for the reserves and versatile youth team regular Jacob Mellis. They followed on from Gaël Kakuta who signed pro forms last week.

Reserve team centre-back Carl Magnay has extended his stay with a new contract.