Pearce loses England job

England’s early exit from the Under-21 European Championship has cost Stuart Pearce his job as manager, with the Football Association saying yesterday they would not renew his contract.

Pearce’s team lost all three of their group matches in Israel and scored just once, from the penalty spot.

FA chairman David Bernstein said it was time for a change.

“I’d like to thank Stuart Pearce for his hard work,” Bernstein said in a statement.

“Nobody can doubt his commitment to the job throughout his time as Under-21 coach.

“He has done extremely well in qualifying for finals tournaments, but after the disappointment of the past two tournaments we believe it is time to change coach.

“It is important the organisation now considers the best approach for the role of Under-21 national team coach and how this works best within the overall England structure before making any new appointment.”

Pearce, the 51-year-old former England defender, has held the position since 2007, and also led Great Britain’s men’s soccer side at the London Olympics last year.

Talk of a replacement is already rife, with former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate a standout favourite with the bookmakers.

Glenn Hoddle has also been linked with the role, although the outspoken former England manager said he would only accept if the current national set-up was overhauled.