BLACKBURN Rovers' Matt Derbyshire had to watch from the bench as England U21s drew a blank against the Czech Republic in their opening match of the European Championships.

Derbyshire was left kicking his heels as David Nugent and Kieran Richardson missed England's best chances in open play of the Group B opener in Arnhem, and Leroy Lita squandered a late penalty.

With seniors boss Steve McClaren believed to be watching on in the stands, Pearce ended up playing with two strikers but Lita could not take his opportunity.

It was the Czechs who had the first genuine chance at the Gelredome, when indecision in the England midfield led to Frantisek Rajtoral playing through Jan Kysela, with Scott Carson needing to save with his legs.

England then settled into their 4-5-1 formation that was deployed by Peter Taylor during qualification.

UEFA even mistakenly named Taylor as coach on the team-sheet, along with David Bentley, who pulled out of the squad with fatigue last week.

Skipper Nigel Reo-Coker fired a drive over the crossbar before almost getting on the end of a Nugent cross.

Nugent then had a shot saved himself, stumbling as he volleyed towards goal.

Czech Republic remained a threat on the counter-attack and Gary Cahill, deputising for Anton Ferdinand after the West Ham centre-back failed to recover from a groin problem, had to throw himself in front of a Kysela shot to block his effort.

In the second period Richardson missed a header from point-blank range.

Carson was then required to acrobatically tip Daniel Pudil's free-kick onto the post, with the pace of the game increasing slightly.

Nugent was gifted a chance to open the scoring with 19 minutes left when Husek misplaced a pass, but the England striker flashed wide.

England got their chance for the winner from the penalty spot with three minutes remaining. Roman Hubnik handled in the area, but Lita flashed wide from 12 yards.