Pearce proud of performance
Friday, 08 October, 2010
Head Coach happy with standard of play at Carrow Road.
Wally Downes
England Under-21 Head Coach Stuart Pearce watched his side secure a 2-1 win to take to Romania for the second leg on Tuesday and was quick to praise the performance ahead of the result.
Pearce said: “It’s good to get our noses in front, we knew it was going to be a difficult game. Over two legs whoever goes through will know they have knocked a hell of a good side out and we saw that tonight.
“We were disappointed to concede but I thought, as an advert for Under-21s football, the standard was outstanding by both teams. We are pleased to have won and we will learn some lessons and we will go again on Tuesday.”
Pearce had done his homework on the opposition and was especially pleased with the way his side broke down such a defensive unit.
“What we saw from Romania is what we expected, they sat behind the ball and asked us to break them down and it’s never easy especially when they have quality and are a threat on the break.
“We have our noses in front but they have an away goal so it will be a wonderfully interesting game, for me I am really looking forward to it especially with the spirit they have in the camp, it’s fantastic.”
Pearce has a fine squad at his disposal and he had the chance to address the entire team after the game to express his pride in the way they played.
“I said to them after the game that I was honoured to be part of that performance.”