Michael Mancienne started for England Under 21s tonight as they beat Wales 3-2 in the play-off for the final Uefa European Under 21 Championship.

Ryan Bertrand and Jack Cork were on the bench for England while Rhys Taylor was substitute goalkeeper for Wales.

Wales took the lead through Simon Church, who scored both of his nation's goals, in the 13th minute, when a Mancienne clearance bounced off Steven Taylor and into Church's path inside the box.

David Wheater and Adam Johnson each found the net for England as they fought back to take the lead, but Church put his country level on the 45th minute, ensuring the deadlock at half time.

But Gabriel Agbonlahor put England back in the lead just past the hour mark, placing his country in the driving seat ahead of Tuesday's second leg clash at Villa Park as the game finished 3-2.

Elsewhere in internationals, Michael Woods was representing his country as England Under 19s faced Ireland, but Jacob Mellis unfortunately missed the fixture, where England beat their hosts 3-1, due to injury.

Like the Under 21s game, the eventual losers took the lead first, but Henri Lansbury cancelled out Ireland's early opener before giving England the lead from the penalty spot.

Rhys Murphy then finished the game off six minutes from time, securing three points for the Under 19s who remain at the top of Group 9, and now prepare to face Serbia on Monday evening in the next qualifying game.