Pearce Named As England U21 Boss

The Football Association has appointed Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce as England Under-21s manager.

Pearce will take charge of the England Under-21 team for next week's friendly against Spain and this summer's European Under-21s Championship finals.

FA officials reached a compromise with City to install Pearce in the job.

To allay City's fears that their boss would be distracted at a key stage of the Premiership campaign, he will miss an under-21 friendly in March.

Pearce will be assisted by Newcastle coach Nigel Pearson.

"It is a fantastic honour for me," said Pearce. "I was planning to attend the June tournament for scouting purposes. Now I will have an opportunity of getting more out of the competition by working with the best youngsters in this country and pitting my wits against coaches from different nations."