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Stuart Pearce is ready to stay on as Under-21s boss
STUART PEARCE says he will hold talks with the FA later this month after insisting for the first time he is keen to carry on as England Under-21 manager.
Pearce has been in charge of England’s youngsters for six years and has led them to four straight Euro finals.
He has been linked with a return to club management at Wigan, but instead wants to carry on with the U 21s and will speak to his FA bosses after the finals, which finish on June 18.
Pearce said: “I’m looking forward to seeing Sir Trevor Brooking with regard to my future. I’m absolutely delighted with the job I do.
“I really enjoy working with young players, have a real passion for it and I look forward to sitting down with the FA in two weeks’ time.
“I’ve had a fantastic relationship with [departing FA chairman] David Bernstein and I would fully expect [new FA chairman] Greg Dyke to come in and be a full part of the decision-making process. If Sir Trevor decides he’s dealing with it personally, fine. ”
England face Italy tonight in their first fixture, with Norway and hosts Israel to follow.
Pearce is sweating on striker Wilfried Zaha, who has a long-standing ankle injury, but he is confident England can reach the knockout stages. He said: “Italy are an outstanding attacking force. They are well organised, work hard and they will make a good impression.”
If England avoid defeat tonight Pearce should lead his side into the semis, where one of Spain, Germany, Holland or Russia will await.