SOUTHAMPTON’s Jack Stephens was the hero in front of his home supporters with a last-gasp strike to seal a 3-2 win for England Under-21s against Italy.
Having took the lead early doors, the Young Lions then fell behind before the defender grabbed the winner deep into injury time.
The result made it nine consecutive victories for England as they continued building momentum ahead of next summer's European Championship.
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Demarai Gray gave Aidy Boothroyd’s side a deserved lead after they shot out of the blocks at St Mary’s.
After a neat build-up, John Swift’s cross-box pass caused all sorts of problems for the defence, and it fell nicely for the Leicester winger to fire home from ten yards.
Any hopes of an England onslaught were quickly ended as the Azzurri awoke from their slumber to turn the game on its head.
The equaliser arrived in fortuitous circumstances. Italian full-back Andrea Conti’s whipped in a cross from the right that deflected off West Brom’s on loan Everton defender Brendan Galloway and over the head of goalkeeper Angus Gunn.
The game was turned on its head moments before the half hour point as Italy took the lead when Bologna’s Federico Di Francesco prodded home from close-range.
England had not suffered defeat at this level since losing to Italy at the Euros in June 2015, and their determination to continue that run paid off in a much-improved second half display.
Gray was denied by the crossbar with a fabulous curling effort from the corner of the box before substitute Will Hughes was denied by the post as the pressure began the mount.
Finally, with 60 minutes on the clock, England drew level through Lewis Baker.
The Chelsea youngster, currently on loan at Vitesse Arnhem, notched his sixth goal for the U21s with a fine left-footed drive after a one-two with Hughes.
🎥 @lew_baker levels for the #YoungLions!
🎥 The #YoungLions nick it at the death thanks to @jackstephens_18's goal!
The clocked had ticked into the final thirty seconds of the four minutes injury time when the dramatic climax arrived.
James Ward-Prowse whipped in a corner towards the head of Calum Chambers. The defender's header was saved, but Stephens pounced to stab home from a yard out to seal the dramatic victory.
England now travel to Paris to challenge France next Monday as they continue to prepare for next summer’s European Championship.