WEST Ham United's Mark Noble helped England's Under-21 side secure a hard-fought friendly victory over Slovenia last night.

Meanwhile, Basildon-born Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Michael Kightly was an impressive half-time substitute as the Young Lions warmed up for their final UEFA European Championship qualifier against Portugal at Hull City's KC Stadium.

Midfielder Noble started the game, but it was Slovenia who made the brighter start and took the lead after 12 minutes.

Nejc Pecnik's through ball split the England back-four, allowing Etien Velikonja to stab past on-rushing goalkeeper Joe Lewis with his left foot.

Stuart Pearce's players were immediately shocked into action and should have had a penalty three minutes later when Matt Derbyshire was scythed down inside the box.

Seconds later, Manchester City's Micah Richards thudded a header against the post.

England's endeavour was finally rewarded on 25 minutes when Noble was fouled 30 yards from goal, Tom Huddlestone hoisted a free-kick into the danger-zone and Richards poked home at the second attempt.

And 10 minutes before half-time, the hosts were ahead when Newcastle United's James Milner turned and slammed the ball home from 20 yards.

Kightly came close to extending England's lead on 50 minutes, but his chip was clawed to safety by Matjez Rozman.

Slovenia were then reduced to 10 men when Pecnik was sent-off for dissent before Kightly set Derbyshire free, but his low shot was well saved by Rozman.

And the former Southend United man nearly capped a fine cameo performance by curling a left foot shot against the inside of the far post from 20 yards with four minutes remaining.

England Under-21: Lewis (Heaton 46), Richards (Cranie 74), Onuoha (Wheater 83), Mancienne, Taylor, M.Johnson (Campbell 62), Huddlestone (Muamba 62), Noble, Milner (Kightly 46), Derbyshire, Lennon (A.Johnson 74).