England Under-21s all-but secured qualification for next summer's European Championships in Slovakia after a remarkable comeback against table-toppers Ukraine. 

Following a rather dull first half, the second did not disappoint with England recovering from a goal behind in the final five minutes at the Vitality Stadium. 

Leading the charge, Manchester City’s James McAtee, who netted both of the Young Lions’ goals in a rampant turnaround. 

A stunning free-kick from the 20-year-old sent the sold-out crowd wild in the 88th minute, with an equally smart finish feasting off Dane Scarlett’s blocked shot in the third minute of stoppage time completing the turnaround. 

Interim Head Coach Ben Futcher praised James McAtee’s spirit after he rallied his side three points closer to qualification. 

“It’s been difficult for Macca [after the passing of George Baldock]. He’s a fantastic footballer. He’s a very lively character, he’s wanted to be around the camp, wanted to train, wanted football. I’m absolutely delighted he’s got the two goals. It’s a fitting tribute to a friend of his.” 

Focusing on the wider group, Futcher hammered home that even with five minutes to play he still believed that his side would make a revival. 

"I am extremely proud because I thought for long periods we were very good," Futcher told the News Shopper. 

"We missed opportunities and gave a goal away from a set play, but the more we went for it, the more it opened up. It was a tough shift for the lads, but we stuck at it and we got the two goals that were massive - the result was really important tonight.

“It’s not kind of how we wanted it to go but to get two late goals to win the game is a great feeling. We made it difficult for ourselves, but we showed unbelievable character. It would have been easy to die it down a little bit, but we didn’t, we kept going, we kept throwing attacking players on. 

“The character, the personality and belief was outstanding - I thought the players deserved it. We believed, we've got top players and we kept dripping more attacking players on the pitch. 

“They're a good outfit, but we took a chance and then when we got the goal, the first goal, you could see the belief in the players. 

“My only worry was we kind of might run out of time, but fortunately for us, we didn't. Macca stepped up and, yeah, it ended up being a good night.”

England sit second in Group F with a game remaining and are almost certain to be heading to Slovakia next summer.