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Pearce delighted with young lions' performance

06/09/2008

Manager Stuart Pearce was delighted with the way his England Under-21 side performed against Portugal in their 2-0 win last night.

The win means England have now secured top spot in their qualifying group for the European Under-21 Championship.

However, it was the method used and the execution of pre-match plans that pleased Pearce most of all.

The former England full-back said the way his side had responded in training and then in the match was excellent. He also praised the way the five-man midfield had supported lone striker Gabriel Agbonlahor.

Pearce said: "I'm particularly pleased because what we carried out on the pitch what we had worked on all week in training.

"We were outstanding and looked a threat every time we got Gabby [Agbonlahor] in behind. There were so many bright points."

The Under-21 side played the match at Wembley and Pearce feels it was a beneficial experience to play against a team as good as Portugal at the national stadium.

Pearce claims it will help demystify the ground for the players and they will be able to perform at their best if they get called up for the senior squad in the future.

He added: "It's not easy to play here and they acquitted themselves well. They weren't daunted and playing here will stand them in good stead for the future.

"The mentality they showed in playing for their country was outstanding.
We've won the group now and although we will have a tough play-off coming up, I'm pleased with what we've done tonight."