Italy equalised at the death against Norway in their final group match of the Euro Under-21 championships in Israel yesterday to finish ahead of their rivals, as England exited the competition with three defeats.

A goal by Andrea Bertolacci in the fourth minute of added time cancelled out a 90th minute penalty by Norway defender Stefan Strandberg to see the Italians finish top of the group with the Norwegians through as runners-up.

Both must await the outcome of today’s Group B clash between defending champions Spain and the Netherlands, who have both already qualified, for the semi-final lineups to be known.

In yesterday’s second Group A match, one of the pre-tournament favourites England went home in humiliation after a 1-0 defeat by Israel to leave coach Stuart Pearce’s job in real jeopardy.

Despite both teams already being out, over 22,000 spectators turned out in Jerusalem to watch the clash for third place in the group, the best-attended match in the tournament so far.

England were more dominant in the first half and had most of the chances throughout the but were let down by some wayward finishing. They were eventually punished when Ofir Krieff gave Israel the lead in the 80th minute with a powerful left-footed shot from 18 metres that beat England goalkeeper Jason Steele.

The Israelis celebrated wildly and tossed coach Guy Luzon into the air in an ecstatic farewell celebration. He will take the reins at Belgium’s Standard Liege next season.

Standings: Italy, Norway 7; Israel 4; England 0.

Today: Group B – 18.00 Spain vs Netherlands; Russia vs Germany.