SAINT Wayne Bridge played a vital part in helping England Under-21s reach the last 16 of the European Championships last night - but only after surviving a nerve-jangling second 45 minutes against the Greeks at Ewood Park.

And Jermain Defoe, who was on loan at Bournemouth last season, again showed the Midas touch in front of goal as he struck his fifth goal in the last six internationals.

Then with five minutes remaining Derby County substitute Malcolm Christie looked to have eased England's jitters by grabbing the second goal.

But a late penalty by Dimitrios Papadopoulos meant there were a few anxious moments before England's position at the top of the group was confirmed.

It means that England have turned around their qualifying group since the appointment of David Platt as coach with three successive victories including the crucial one in Germany.

But their real hero on the evening was goalkeeper Chris Kirkland, who pulled off a string of fine saves.

England dominated much of the opening 45 minutes and there was a self-belief and precision about their play after three successive victories.

England, containing only four survivors from the team beaten 3-1 in Athens in June, were quickly into their stride and oozing confidence with their slick passing.