England U21 v Sweden U21 preview

Pearce: Wants more from his players

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England U21 v Sweden U21
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Stuart Pearce has a full squad of players to choose from ahead of the semi-final clash against Sweden on Friday.

The England Under-21 manager has seen his side remain unbeaten in the group stages but Pearce is still expecting an improved performance from his side against the hosts.

England have won just one international crown since securing their only Under-21 European Championship title in 1984 - when they claimed the Under-18 European Championship in 1993 with the likes of Paul Scholes, Sol Campbell and Robbie Fowler in their ranks.

Pearce came painfully close to ending that unwanted run in the last Euro tournament two years ago when he led his side to the last-four stage only to succumb 13-12 on penalties against hosts Holland.

The young Lions have the chance to put that right on Friday when they take on the free scoring Swedes, who bagged nine goals in their three group games, with a final place against either Germany or Italy at stake.

Pearce's young charges highlighted their potential when they comfortably defeated fancied Spain 2-0 in their second group game and the former Manchester City boss insists his side can get even better.

"There is more to come from all our players," he told the FA's official website. "All 23 players can improve and that starts every morning when they go to training.

"I think we will get better as the time goes on."

Team news

Pearce has a full squad of 23 players to choose from and fans can expect plenty of changes from the side that ran out against Germany in the final group game.

With qualification already secured Pearce decided to give some of his fringe players a run-out against the Germans but the likes of Joe Hart, Micah Richards, Nedum Onuoha, Mark Noble, Lee Cattermole, James Milner, Theo Walcott and Gabriel Agbonlahor are all expected to return to the starting XI.

Meanwhile Sweden are without the suspended midfield duo of Pontus Wernbloom and Emir Bajrami.

However the Swedes do have tournament top scorer Marcus Berg at their disposal. The 22-year-old Groningen striker has five goals to his name already and England will have to shadow him closely if they are to progress.