Pearce praises Wilshere focus

Wilshere: Praised by Pearce

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England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce has praised the attitude of Jack Wilshere as he prepares his side to face Lithuania on Tuesday.

The Arsenal midfielder was left on the bench as England defeated Portugal 1-0 on Friday, with Pearce suggesting the youngster had 'taken his eye off the ball' following his recent late-night fracas in London.

However, the former Manchester City boss maintains that he cannot guarantee the 18-year-old a place in the side for the crucial European Championship qualifier at Colchester's Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Pearce claims the young midfielder - who made his senior international debut in last month's friendly against Hungary at Wembley - is now back on his game.

"Jack has been exactly the same as all the other players who weren't involved in Portugal - fantastic. His attitude has been very good," said Pearce.

"I have seen a touch more focus.

"Leading into the Portugal game, he was swapping phone calls with his agent and one to two other people in regards to newspaper articles which were going on.

"We just did not feel it was right to start him in Portugal.

"Since then, we think his focus has been much better.

"It is difficult for a young man, there are a lot of pressures on young players at the best of times.

"It is my job to read those situations as best I can."

Pearce continued: "I will let them all know what the team is tomorrow and there will be seven or so who are not in the starting line-up who will be disappointed.

"But one thing I can guarantee and it has happened for three years now, they will support the players in the team and when their chance does come, they will take it."