JAMES Tomkins helped England progress to the semi-final of the European Championships after an assured display in the Three Lions draw with Germany.

The West Ham defender inclusion was a number of surprise changes made by England boss Stuart Pearce, which included the resting of Hammers midfielder and England under-21s captain Mark Noble.

England got off to a stuttering start when Germany took the lead after just four minutes through Gonzalo Castro but the Young Lions hit back when Jack Rodwell equalised with a header on 29 minutes.

Tomkins won his third cap for the under-21s having made his debut in England's 7-0 demolition of Azerbaijan.

England could face Italy, Sweden, Serbia or Belarus in the semi-final of the championships taking place in Sweden.