Kevin Phillips may be looking forward to a summer at Euro 2000 with England after a magnificent one-man show.

Wednesday, meanwhile, are facing the realistic prospect of Nationwide League football after this shattering home defeat.

They went into the match on the back of two victories and quietly optimistic they could avoid the drop.

But Phillips had other ideas and scored twice in the space of the last five minutes to take his tally for the season to 29.

It was cruel luck on Wednesday, who carved out a number of chances but lacked a cutting edge.

Steve Haslam retained his place in the Wednesday defence despite Northern Ireland international Ian Nolan's recovery from a hamstring injury.

The 20-year-old prospect was outstanding in the victory against Chelsea that has given the club a glimmer of hope in their enduring relegation battle.

Midfielder Alex Rae had shrugged off a thigh strain picked up in training this week to take his place in the Sunderland side.

Wednesday made a bright start and Alan Quinn got clear, only for Paul Butler to divert the ball to safety as Andy Hinchcliffe made a forward run.

Gilles De Bilde also got in the act when he made space on the edge of the area and cut inside - only to see his shot comfortably taken by keeper Thomas Sorensen.

Then Hinchcliffe played a short free-kick into the path of Wim Jonk. He delivered the ball into the area but Andy Booth was woefully off target with his header.

Sunderland gradually picked up the pace of the game and keeper Kevin Pressman did well to block Phillips' effort after Michael Gray had played the ball down the line.

Then veteran defender Des Walker blocked a shot from Phillips after Niall Quinn had supplied the knockdown.

Wednesday youngster Quinn raced forward in the 27th minute when Barry Horne played the ball and lofted a shot inches over the bar after holding off Darren Holloway.

Quinn was giving Sunderland's problems down the left and again got away from Holloway seven minutes before the break.

The 20-year-old winger skipped to the byline and delivered the ball into the path of Andy Booth.

He decided to try a shot even though he was tightly marked and Sorensen was able to save easily.

Sunderland were looking dangerous on the counter and keeper Pressman got down quickly to smother a shot from Gray after Quinn had laid the ball back.

Wednesday poured forward two minutes before the break but Atherton's shot went high into the crowd from a good position after Booth had flicked on a corner from Jonk.

The home side had a scare six minutes into the second half when Phillips got away from Atherton and played the ball into the path of Quinn. However referee Mike Reed ruled he was marginally offside.

Wednesday suddenly found their rhythm again and could have scored three goals in as many minutes.

Booth was unable to make the most of a good chance in the 61st minute when Atherton headed the ball into his path after a delightful free-kick from Jonk.

Sorensen came to Sunderland's rescue two minutes later when he beat away Niclas Alexandersson's shot after Jonk's pass had been deflected.

Then Quinn was marginally wide of the target after Hinchcliffe's long pass had split the Sunderland defence.

Danish keeper Sorensen did well to block De Bilde's effort in the 76th minute but Sunderland quickly broke on the counter.

Phillips was much too quick for Walker but only succeeded in dragging his shot wide of the far post.

The Sunderland striker made the breakthrough five minutes from time, however, with a breathtaking finish.

He lofted the ball superbly over keeper Pressman from 22 yards after Eric Roy had knocked back Gray's delivery.

And the England striker completed a marvellous finale for the visiting fans on the stroke of full time when he side-footed in a cross from Rae.

Sheff Wed: Pressman, Haslam, Atherton, Walker, Hinchcliffe, Alexandersson (Sonner 88), Jonk, Horne (Sibon 88), Quinn, Booth (Cresswell 80), De Bilde.

Subs Not Used: Nolan, Srnicek.

Booked: Cresswell.

Sunderland: Sorensen, Makin, P. Butler, Craddock, Gray, Holloway (Williams 55), Rae, Roy, Kilbane (Oster 66), Quinn (Dichio 75), Phillips.

Subs Not Used: Marriott, Nunez.

Goals: Phillips 86, 90.

Att: 28,072

Ref: M Reed (Birmingham).