Leroy Lita is positive England can reach the quarter-finals of the European Under-21 Championship despite blowing a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Italy.

David Nugent and Lita put Stuart Pearce's men in complete control midway through the first half but pre-tournament favourites the Azzurrini hit back to avoid an early exit.

Blackburn's Matt Derbyshire was again an unused substitute.

A victory against Serbia in their final group game will guarantee England's progress and Lita said : "It's disappointing not to win the game.

"We gave ourselves a great start, we had a lot of chances.

"We dropped too deep and allowed them back into the game.

"But we're still in the tournament and we've got to go into the last game being positive."

Lita missed two sitters - to add to his penalty woe in the opening game - before making partial amends with England's second goal.

He added: "I wanted to make sure I got on the scoresheet. I'm not one of those players who's going to hide.

Nugent added: "We seemed to back off a little bit any they got back in the game.

"They're a quality side."

Sunderland manager Roy Keane was watching the game and asked about speculation linking him with a move to the Barclays Premier League new boys, Nugent said: "It's all speculation. He could be coming to watch anybody."