NEWPORT’S Lee Evans insists Wales are still fighting for a place at the Euro 2015 under-21 finals in the Czech Republic despite defeat to England on Wednesday.

The 1-0 loss at Derby County’s iPro Stadium thanks to Nathan Redmond’s second half strike leaves the Welsh youngsters nine points behind group leaders England with three games remaining.

Geraint Williams’ side are looking to overhaul Moldova, who are three points above them, to secure second place and a play-off spot.

Former Newport County midfielder Evans admits that Wales may live to regret their shock 1-0 defeat in San Marino last September.

“It’s going to be tough,” said Evans, who is now at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

“Second place is the aim but I think we could struggle with what we did in San Marino.

“We needed the win there but as long as it’s mathematically possible we’ll go for it.”

The 19-year-old was disappointed to start on the bench against England but he believes that Wales can be proud of their showing against their star-studded opponents.

“I was very disappointed not to start in such a big game but when you’re on the bench you’re glad to get 25 minutes, it’s just a pity about the result,” he said.

“England have lots of Premier League players so it was a tough test for us but I thought the boys dug in well.

“We could have nicked a goal at the end but it wasn’t to be so we’ll move on to the home game against England now at the end of May.

“Wes Burns played really well up front and the two wide men have got a lot of pace as well so we were a threat on the break,” he added.

“We knew they’d have a lot of the ball. They’re a quality team and obviously we wanted to defend well, keep our shape and hit them on the counter when we could.

“But we wanted to play our football as well and I think we did that at times.”