England Under-21s cruised into the semi finals of Euro 2017 after dismantling hosts Poland tonight.

Demarai Gray, Jacob Murphy and Lewis Baker’s penalty sealed a comfortable 3-0 win as England escaped the group stages at the tournament for the first time since 2009.

To complete a miserable night for the hosts, defender Jan Bednarek - who Saints are interested in signing - was sent off for two bookable offences late on.

England - who again started with Saints pair James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond, with Jack Stephens and Matt Targett again unused subs - topped Group A ahead of Slovakia, who beat Sweden 3-0, and will play their last-four game next Tuesday.

But they must wait to discover their opponent.

Aidy Boothroyd’s assured side - who could play the runner-up of Groups B or C or the winner of C, which may be Germany - were always in control in their best display of the competition.

With Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham benched after two gruelling games, Redmond led the line with Gray and the Leicester winger made an instant impact.

England had already enjoyed a fast start with Ward-Prowse, Lewis Baker and Alfie Mawson all going close within the opening five minutes before Gray put them in control.

The 20-year-old scored just twice for Leicester during a frustrating last season but was on target he when he collected Ben Chilwell’s pass and his 25-yard shot hit Jaroslaw Jach to fly past Jakub Wrabel.

Chilwell’s marauding presence on the left caused constant problems while Baker, John Swift - once of Southampton Tyro Leaguers Pace Youth - and Ward-Prowse easily held sway in midfield.

Swift volleyed wide after 55 minutes from another brilliant set-piece delivery from Ward-Prowse.

A second goal was needed to avoid late nerves and it duly arrived after 69 minutes in fine style as England hit Poland on the break.

Ex-Saint Calum Chambers won the ball in his own area and found Baker who sent Gray scampering away down the left with Josh Murphy, on for Redmond at half-time, in support.

Gray raced into the area and squared for the Norwich winger to tap in at the far post.

Abraham, on for Ward-Prowse, won a penalty after being felled by Bednarek with nine minutes left.

The defender was sent off for a second booking and Baker dispatched the spot kick to add gloss to the result.