READING FC ace John Swift put in an eye-catching display as England reached the Under 21 European Championship semi finals.

Swift, who turned 22 today, played the full 90 minutes for the Young Lions in their 3-0 victory over hosts Poland in Kielce.

Slovakia's 3-0 win against Sweden in the other Group A match last night meant England had to beat the home nation or face an early flight home.

And Aidy Boothroyd's youngsters came up with the goods to seal their place in the last four.

Swift was handed his second start of the tournament and put in his best performance so far as a link between midfield and attack.

The Young Lions went in front with just six minutes on the clock when Demarai Gray blasted home from the edge of the box after good work from Leicester City team-mate Ben Chilwell.

Then after a cheeky back heel from Swift almost set up Nathan Redmond, the Royals man went close to doubling England's lead when his blistering strike was superbly saved by Jakub Wrabel.

Swift was causing Poland a host of problems, and he was only an inch away from connecting with a James Ward-Prowse free-kick inside the six yard box shortly before the break.

The ex-Chelsea schemer threatened again early in the second-half, but the angle was too tight as he met another Ward-Prowse delivery and he volleyed narrowly wide.

Reading Chronicle:

John Swift impressed in the 3-0 win over hosts Poland.

But England's persistence paid off with 20 minutes to go when Gray sped clear down the left and threaded the ball across for Jacob Murphy to tap in.

And with 10 minutes to go their place in the semis was assured when Lewis Baker converted from the spot after Jan Bednarek had tripped Tammy Abraham, earning the Poland defender a second yellow card.

England will have to wait until Saturday evening to find out which other two group winners will join them in the semis along with the best-placed runner up.

Spain currently top Group B and Germany Group C, while Portugal, Italy and Czech Republic all still have a chance of going through.