Gabby Agbonlahor is the man to fire England into the European Under-21 Championship final – Villa strike partner John Carew insists.

The young forward is expected to lead the line for Stuart Pearce’s young lions in the semi-final against hosts Sweden, after recovering from the calf problem which ruled him out of Monday’s draw with Germany.

Agbonlahor has yet to open his account at the tournament, but Carew insists it is only a matter of time.

The Norway striker said: “He will score goals. You just have to keep your confidence up. You have to do the same as before, because if it’s worked before it will work again.

“He will be a fantastic player.  Last year he was one of the top scorers in the league, but next year he will be even better.”

Villa winger James Milner is expected to be restored to the starting XI after serving a one-game ban, while Craig Gardner will hope to have done enough to keep his place.