Pearce signs England extension

Pearce: To stay on as U21 boss

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In the aftermath of his side's humbling defeat to Germany in Malmo, Stuart Pearce has confirmed he will lead England's U21s until the next European Championship after signing a new two-year deal.

Pearce was speaking after watching his charges lose 4-0 in the European U21 Championship final to Germany.

Half of the squad Pearce took to Sweden will be available to him during their next qualification campaign and the former Manchester City boss believes the 'hurt' of Monday's loss will help inspire them to go one better.

"Half of this group can go on again so we have to learn from this and improve for next time," he said.

"As a learning curve for young players this has been a fantastic tournament. Win or lose it was irrelevant this was a good learning curve for them.

"They now have to stick together and be humble. They have to support each other and say the right things.

"I think they will go back to their clubs as better players than when they joined us three weeks ago.

"For those other players that can play again in two years hopefully that hurt will stay with them like it did with me when I pulled on an England shirt.

"I hope it stays with them for two years."

Analysis pending

Pearce admitted he would take his time to analyse the team's failings, after what was by far their worst performance in an otherwise impressive tournament.

"It is down to me sit back and let the dust settle on this tournament and work out how to improve at this level," he added.

"We have to look at all the reasons for the defeat when the tournament has finished.

"I said at the start that it would take 23 players to win it and I stand by that.

"Hats off to the Germans, they beat us 4-0. You have to be humble but it still hurts me."