Blues' new on-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart not only saved a penalty but also converted himself from 12 yards to send England U21s into the final of Euro 2009 this evening.

The game had started well for Stuart Pearce's side as they raced into a 3-0 half-time lead against tournament hosts Sweden.

But the Swedes hit back to score three goals in 13 second half minutes to take the semi-final tie into extra time.

There were no further goals with Hart coming to his country's rescue with some vital saves and the match went to a penalty shoot-out.

James Milner slipped on the turf and missed the first spot kick for England but Hart saved his blushes by keeping out the first Sweden penalty from Marcus Berg.

Hart had put himself forward to take the second England penalty and he confidently blasted home to put England into the lead.

The Young Lions went onto progress to the final after Guillermo Molins hit the post with Sweden's sixth penalty after the spot kicks went into sudden death.

However a memorable night was majorly tainted for Hart as he received a yellow card during the shoot-out, presumably for ungentlemanly conduct, and as a result will miss next week's final after picking up two cautions during the tournament.

But his penalty tonight may have given Alex McLeish food for thought when it comes to nominating responsibility for Blues' spot kicks next season!