England place faith in Pearce

Stuart Pearce will lead England in their campaign to qualify for the 2007-09 UEFA European Under-21 Championship after signing a new two-year contract.

'Delighted'
The former England defender took charge of the U21 side on a part-time basis in February but was free to concentrate on the job fully after being sacked as manager of Manchester City FC in May. At the 2007 finals in the Netherlands last month, Pearce guided England to the semi-finals where they lost 13-12 on penalties to the host nation after a 1-1 draw. Pearce, 45, said: "I'm delighted to be taking on the role for the next two years. By taking the job on full-time, I will be able to build close relationships with clubs and the coaches of the other England youth teams." England are next in action on 21 August in a home friendly against Romania before beginning qualifying for the 2009 finals in Sweden in September.