Stuart Pearce hopes England will be at their strongest for this summer's Euro 2013 Finals

England v Sweden
An Under-21 International
Banks’s Stadium, Walsall FC
7.30pm, Tuesday 5 February 2013
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Stuart Pearce is hoping to have a strong squad available when England travel to Israel for the Euro 2013 Finals in June.

The Three Lions are the only nation to have reached the last four successive Under-21s Championships.

And having gone as far as the semis and the Final during that time, he believes England need to be at their best if they are going to go even further this summer.

"My stance has been the same for the last six years, that everytime you go to a major tournament you should go with your best possible available players at that age group," he said.

"I'm always of that opinion, especially when I look at Spain, France, Germany, how they've won things at the younger age groups before they've stepped up and conquered the world and Europe.

"We have to do the same."

Pearce and his side have this week been preparing at St. George's Park, The FA's new national football centre, ahead of their first game of 2013.

They meet Sweden in a pre-tournament warm-up in Walsall on Tuesday and the former Nottingham Forest defender has been pleased with what he's seen on the training pitch.

He's particularly excited about the potential of 17-year-old Derby County midfielder Will Hughes, who made his debut at Under-21 level against Northern Ireland in November.

"Once one group of players goes through to the seniors, all of a sudden another group of youngsters comes through," said Pearce.

"Will has had a good season. I'm good friends with Nigel Clough so I keep in close contact about how he is doing at Derby.

"We are pleased with his development and have to make sure that we nurture that development.

"He seems a very level headed young man and that's all the good for England and Derby."

He added: "The likes of Will Hughes, and others, have just come into the group and they excite me."

TICKET DETAILS
Fans can get tickets to watch England’s young stars against Sweden for the terrific price of just £10 for adults, £5 for children and a family ticket (two adults and two children) is only £20.

Tickets can be purchased by calling 01922 651416, buy online from Walsall FC or email tickets@walsallfc.co.uk