England will face a showdown with old rivals Germany at Darlington on Sunday (3pm) for a place in the semi-finals of the European Under 16s Championships.

The home nation youngsters booked their place in the last eight when Glen Johnson's goal beat Hungary 1-0 at Huddersfield's McAlpine Stadium in front of 3,440 fans to top Group 'C'.

England were nervous in defence of their lead and Hungary threatened to equalise in the early stages of the second half.

However, England came close to increasing their lead with a stinging free-kick from Kris Taylor, beaten away by Hungary 'keeper Zoltan Kovacs.

The Germans defeated Spain 2-0 with goals from Peter Trochowski and Baldo di Gregorio at Durham last night but the Spaniards still finished top of Group 'A' on goal difference.

Spain will play Italy in their quarter-final at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Sunday.

In the other games played last night, Italy drew 1-1 with Switzerland at South Leeds Stadium, Francesco Lodi's 22nd-minute opener for Italy being cancelled out before half-time by Joel Gasche. Belgium beat Romania 2-0 at Billingham after the match was moved from Darlington.

Attention switches to York City's Bootham Crescent tonight (6.30pm) where Russia play Holland in the battle to be top dog in Group 'B'.

The other game in that group sees Turkey play Poland at the South Leeds Stadium.

France, who have already qualified for the quarter-finals will play Finland at Grimsby in their final Group 'D' game.

Scotland complete their programme in that group knowing that victory over Croatia will clinch their place in the last eight.

The Scots' game has been switched from Lincoln City's Sincil Bank to Worksop Town.

Bootham Crescent will host a quarter-final on Monday (6.30pm) with France favourites to meet the runners-up from Group 'D' which is currently wide open.

Updated: 12:41 Friday, April 27, 2001