The Everton midfielder marked his first England Under-21s start with a goal to ensure Stuart Pearce's youngsters secured a point against Germany in Halmstad.

Gonzalo Castro had given Germany an early lead at Orjans Vall in a Group B match which England did not have to win - because they had already booked a place in the European Championship semi-finals.

With that in mind, Pearce rested his first-choice players and made 10 changes to give his fringe squad members a run out.

slotted home

Germany needed a point to make absolutely sure of staying ahead of Spain - and they were in the lead after four minutes.

Jerome Boateng played Castro behind the England defence and the Bayer Leverkusen youngster slotted home between the legs of goalkeeper Scott Loach.

But England's pressure was rewarded just before the half-hour mark when Rodwell headed home from a left-wing corner after beating Andreas Beck to the ball.

The second half was a low-key affair with a draw suiting both sides. It meant Germany qualified ahead of Spain and ensured England finished top of their group.