Milner (left) capped off a decent performance with the winning goal

Micah Richards and James Milner scored as England U21s came from behind to defeat Slovenia U21s in a friendly.

Etien Velikonja put the away team ahead with a brilliant finish using the outside of his right foot after a superb through ball from Uros Korun.

Richards headed against the post but later stabbed the ball home after Matjaz Rozman failed to hold a cross.

James Milner scored with a shot on the turn from 20 yards, while Nejc Pecnik was given a second yellow for dissent.

England looked for a third goal after Slovenia were reduced to 10 men and Wolves' Michael Kightly went close with a curling left-foot strike that rebounded off the post.

And in the final minute a dazzling run from Adam Johnson almost produced a goal but the winger's strike flew narrowly over.

England U21s next play their Portuguese counterparts on 5 September in a game from which they need a point to qualify for the European Championships in 2009.

England U21 coach Stuart Pearce:
"It was a mixed bag. I know we can play better than that but you can never underestimate winning.

"I did not get everything I was looking for but we will go away and have a look at it and it will stand us in good stead ahead of the Portugal game."

England U21: Lewis (Heaton 46), Mancienne, Richards (Cranie 73), Onuoha (Wheater 83), Andrew Taylor, Huddlestone (Muamba 61), Noble, Michael Johnson (Campbell 62), Lennon (Adam Johnson 73), Derbyshire, Milner (Kightly 46).
Subs Not Used: Gardner, Agbonlahor.

Goals: Richards 25, Milner 35.

Slovenia U21: Rozman (Koprivec 46), Salkic (Bacinovic 62), Apatic, Rok Elsner, Rajcevic (Mijatovic 88), Korun, Cvijanovic (Bezjak 46), Viler (Omladic 90), Pecnik, Matavz (Plut 84), Velikonja (Mihelic 74).

Sent Off: Pecnik (63).

Booked: Pecnik, Rok Elsner.

Goals: Velikonja 12.

Att: 6,235

Ref: Albert Toussaint (Luxembourg).