James Ward-Prowse and his England under-21 colleagues have been urged to “go for the win” as they face Sweden today.

Saints midfielder Ward-Porwse played the first 54 minutes for England in their European Championships Group B opener against Portugal, which ended in a 1-0 defeat.

It has piled the pressure on to today's game, with England opponents having secured a surprise 2-1 victory against Italy and return to Olomouc looking to repeat the feat in the early kick-off.

"We play first so we have to go for the win, but I think every game in this tournament has that importance attached to it," Southgate said.

"We have to make sure our mentality is right and we approach things in the same way did before this game. I don't think we were a million miles away.

"We looked a threat against a very good defence and midfield and a tactical system that poses a lot of problems. On another night our chances would have gone in."

Southgate is confident England under-21s will avoid a third straight group-stage exit.

This is the Young Lions' fifth straight appearance at the finals, but their six-year wait for a victory on this stage continued during a frustrating night against Portugal in Uherske Hradiste.

"I think we've played the best team in the group here and run them very close," the England head coach said afterwards.

"They have some excellent players as we have got and from what I have seen we can still have faith in what we do.

"Now, of course, the margins for error are much smaller, but that is what being in a tournament is all about. The mentality of how we approach things now is really important."

The bruising build-up to this match certainly had a big impact, with Southgate robbed of two key men in the 48 hours leading up to the opening game.

Suspected concussion has seen John Stones ruled out for two matches and a knee injury meant Saido Berahino had to withdraw just hours before kick-off at the Mestsky Fotbalovy Stadion.

Both were in attendance in Uherske Hradiste, the latter wearing a knee brace, and their absence certainly had an impact on Southgate's side.

"We lost two players after working on the shape of the team so it is far from ideal, but I thought the players who came in did a good job," he said.

"I thought Jesse (Lingard) had some really exciting moments and looked a threat. We can't worry about what we haven't got. We have to look forward now.

"My experience at tournaments tells me a defeat can linger for too long. We now have two days to turn this around.

"I don't think there is any disgrace at all in our performance. The lads are disappointed to have lost. I think a draw would have been a fair result.

"It was a cruel goal to concede that followed a random series of events. I fully believe we can get out of the group."

Stones should be available for England's final group game against Italy, but Southgate is well aware their fate could be sealed by that point.

"Berahino is a fantastic player the highest scorer in qualifying and it would have been good for the match had he played."