England Under-21s see off Irish

Theo Walcott scored on his return to St Mary's as England Under-21s virtually assured themselves of a play-off to reach the European Championships in 2009 with a 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland Under-21s.

Walcott, who left Southampton for Arsenal two years ago, netted with 12 minutes remaining to add gloss to a hard-fought victory over their Irish counterparts.

James Milner had set up the opener, which flew in off Stephen O'Halloran, before scoring the second himself with a precise finish off the post.

Stuart Pearce's youngsters top their qualifying group on their road to the finals in Sweden with 19 points.

England's first proper chance came after 33 minutes when Mark Noble stole the ball off Stephen Quinn and spread it wide to Milner. The Newcastle midfielder cut inside and saw his shot palmed away, with Walcott firing the rebound over.

The visitors had the first chance of the second period, in the 51st minute. With England appealing for another handball in their opposition's box, Owen Garvan played Andrew Keogh over the top but Joe Hart was able to save the finish.

Walcott had an effort bravely blocked on the line by Darren O'Dea after Joe Mattock had been played behind the defence by Noble. But Walcott helped set up the opener in the 59th minute.

He laid the ball back for Milner whose effort across the face of the goal was diverted into his own goal by O'Halloran. It was cruel luck on the youngster who is on loan at Southampton.

Milner scored the second himself, collecting the ball off Fabrice Muamba 25 yards out and crashing his low finish in off the post.

Walcott got his goal with 12 minutes remaining, picking the ball up on the left, cutting inside and unleashing his finish into the far corner. He was replaced with five minutes remaining to a standing ovation.