England Under-21s 2, Serbia Under-21s 0.

England Under-21s reached the semi-finals of the European Championships but victory over Serbia was scarred by racism and violence.

Leroy Lita had headed Stuart Pearce's youngsters ahead early on before UEFA officials were forced into an impromptu anti-racism announcement after Serbia fans abused Nedum Onuoha.

Matt Derbyshire added a second goal 13 minutes from full-time in Nijmegen but his celebrations in front of the Serbia fans sparked a mass brawl which involved most of the players. Tom Huddlestone was then sent off for dissent in the final minute.

UEFA will wait until the match delegate hands in his report, by which time England will be preparing for next week's semi.

Standing in their way of the final are holders and hosts Holland, who they defeated in a friendly last November in Alkmaar. That win is part of an unbeaten stretch since 2005 that now stands at 12 games.

Pearce featured in two semi-finals as a player and now has his first as a coach, and he appears to have forced himself into contention if the role goes full-time after the tournament.

Pearce had banked on Italy beating the Czech Republic in the other game, meaning England would have to take three points themselves, with Lita's early strike calming initial nerves.

The Reading striker won a free-kick after five minutes, from which Newcastle's Steven Taylor nodded Magpies team-mate James Milner's set-piece across the face of the goal and Lita swooped to head home his fifth goal in eight under-21 games.

UEFA officials were later forced to give their anti-racism announcement over the PA system after chants were heard.

Despite the threat of an equaliser, England remained with two strikers, looking for a goal on the counter attack.

Lita's overhead kick from Milner's cross almost provided a second goal but keeper Aleksandar Kesic palmed away for a corner.

Lita was taken off for the last 20 minutes, with Derbyshire coming on and adding the second goal, but the England celebrations sparked the mass brawl.

Huddlestone was brought on but received his marching orders, and there was still time for Leighton Baines to clear off the line in stoppage-time.