Stuart Pearce was grateful for the form of keeper Scott Loach as England Under-21s held on for a European Championship qualifying point in Greece.

The Watford keeper was outstanding in the 1-1 draw despite tricky conditions at the rain-soaked Asteras Tripolis Stadium in Tripoli.

Loach, 21, made a string a fine saves and boss Pearce said: "He was by far the man of the match. I chose him rather than our two other keepers because he has seen plenty of action from his loan spells and is now a regular with his club, so he's more experienced."

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge gave England a fifth-minute lead, tapping in from close range from Danny Rose's low centre. But the home side drew level five minutes before half-time through Sotiris Ninis's deflected effort and England were forced to hang on, with Loach twice saving well from Kostas Mitroglou.

Pearce added: "The draw was a fair result. We had the best chances in the first half, then Greece had the best opportunities in the second half."