Pearce excited by Euros

Wednesday, 28 November, 2012

England Under-21s Coach reacts to the Euro 2013 Final draw in Tel Aviv

Stuart Pearce says he's excited by next summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship Finals after being drawn with hosts Israel, Norway and Italy.

The England Under-21s Coach was in Tel Aviv on Wednesday where he learned his teams fate for June's Finals - his fourth in charge of the Young Lions.

However, Pearce is expecting a very difficult tournament, with just eight nations left all wanting to claim the title last won by Spain in 2011.

"I thought the draw would only serve to underline what we already knew - that we will have to be at it from the off to beat the very best young teams in Europe if we are to succeed in this tournament," Pearce told TheFA.com.

"We are in with the hosts and they'll be backed by some great home support.

"Norway we know all about and there was very little between us in qualifying. Italy are technically very difficult to break down and we have experience of them in the past.

"On paper it might look easy, but it never works that way. We are excited by it."

However, after winning six games out of six in 2012, and without conceding a goal, Pearce says that other teams will be concerned about England.

"We shouldn't forget that, as much as we're looking around at other teams and talking about their qualities, they'll be looking at us and probably talking in the same terms about our qualities," he said.

"After all, we are a team that has just gone through a calendar year unbeaten and without conceding a goal - few can boast a record as solid as that. That is credit to the players.

"This will be our fourth tournament, and we'll bring great experience with us in the summer, especially within my staff.

"That doesn't guarantee success of course and we'll need a strong squad, who are fit and in form. We are coming to Israel to win it.

Pearce added: "During my time we have lost a semi-final on penalties, lost a final and gone out in the group stages, so we have experienced most everything in this competition, except winning it.

"That was our target at the start of the qualification campaign and we are aware of what's in front of us, but we want to win it.

"For a lot of the young players lucky enough to experience these Finals it will prove to be an invaluable time in Israel, not least with a World Cup on the horizon in Brazil."

"We have had a good period here in Israel and have a good idea of hotels and training bases now. This will be confirmed as soon as UEFA decide on the match schedule."

Venues and match days are yet to be confirmed by UEFA but we will bring you information here as soon as details are confirmed. The Final tournament will take place at four venues in Israel - Tel Aviv, Netanya, Jerusalem and Petah Tikva - from 5-18 June 2013.

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