It looks as if Stuart Pearce will be leading England's Under-21s into the European Championship finals in Sweden, following Friday night's 3-2 defeat of battling Wales at Ninian Park.

Brian Flynn's team led early on through a Simon Church strike - and the Reading youngster who has never played a first-team game for the Berkshire club cracked a fine equaliser just before the break.

England had moved confidently into the lead with goals from David Wheater and Adam Johnson, but they were stretched to the limits in this play-off first leg.

Gabriel Agbonlahor grabbed the winner in the second half, and England must be favourites now to complete the job on Tuesday in the second leg at Villa Park.

But Wales gave everything and showed why they had beaten France against a team who had conceded just two goals in their previous 11 matches.

Wales sprung a surprise by switching Lewin Nyatanga from the senior squad to bolster a defence hit by injuries.

The Derby defender was one of several youngsters named in both squads for such an eventuality.

But the differences between the strengths of the two squads was underlined by the fact that Wales fielded only three players - Nyatanga, Ramsey and Jack Collison - with Premier League experience.

In contrast, England were packed with top-flight talent, with mes Milner winning his 39th cap at this level.

Wales started strongly, passing the ball neatly and with Arsenal youngster Aaron Ramsey finding space to operate in just behind Church.

England, too, showed plenty of class, with Agbonlahor's strength and pace giving Nyatanga plenty of problems.

The hosts took the lead in the 13th minute. Collison combined with Ramsey, and when an England tackle came in, the ball cannoned to Church - who kept his head to stride into the box before beating Joe Hart with a low drive.

England were level six minutes later when Wheater, always dangerous at set-pieces, rose to send a looping header inside the far post from Jamie O'Hara's corner.

The visitors slowly took control, constructing moves with confidence, keeping possession and pushing Wales back.

England's youngsters almost took the lead after 27 minutes when Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor rattled the bar from 25 yards.

Milner then tested Owain Fon Williams as he cut in from the right, before the impressive Mark Noble had a fierce drive charged down as Wales failed to clear another corner properly.

It was no surprise when England grabbed the lead 10 minutes from the break, after Wales conceded possession in midfield and Noble's crossfield pass sent Adam Johnson away on the left.

The Middlesbrough player cut inside Neal Eardley before striking a drive across Fon Williams and into the far side of the net.

But Wales were back level a minute from the break when Ramsey's pass sent Church surging into the box - and the 19-year-old, on loan at Wycombe, again beat Hart.

Pearce cannot have been impressed at the break, and his side emerged galvanised and flying into action.

But Ramsey, back on his home pitch after his summer move, was still finding space for his magic, with one clever backheel leaving England's midfield standing.

Wales sent on Joe Allen for Nicky Adams, but after 61 minutes England were ahead again.

Claims that Rhoys Wiggins had been fouled in the build-up were ignored, and Noble broke clear to lay on a cross for Agbonlahor to flick home from close range.

Wales sent on another striker in Jonathan Brown for MacDonald after 76 minutes, gambling with virtually three up front and all the danger that could cause them as England's midfield exploited the extra space.

Frazer Campbell came on for Agbonlahor and Milner tested Fon Williams with a low drive before the Stockport goalkeeper was at full-stretch to turn away a Noble effort.

Lloyd James replaced King with six minutes left, and Collison almost equalised with a rising 25-yard effort just over the bar.

However, they could not grab a third and England are favourites to progress to next summer's finals.

Teams:

Wales U21 fon Williams, Eardley, Blake, Nyatanga, Wiggins, Adams (Allen 59), Collison, King (James 84),MacDonald (Brown 76), Ramsey, Church.

Subs Not Used: Taylor, Jacobson, Mike Williams, Marc Williams.

Goals: Church 13, 44.

England U21 Hart, Wheater, Mancienne, Taylor, O'Hara, Milner, Cattermole, Huddlestone, Johnson, Noble,Agbonlahor (Campbell 76).

Subs Not Used: Heaton, Stearman, Cork, Bertrand, Derbyshire,

Ebanks-Blake.

Goals: Wheater 19, Johnson 35, Agbonlahor 61.

Att: 10,500

Ref: Pavel Balaj (Romania).