Pearce primed for Lithuania test
Friday, 03 September, 2010
Pearce pleased with Portugal win and looks ahead to final crunch tie.
Stuart Pearce was satisfied with England's performance and victory in Portugal on Friday evening, ensuring their goal of reaching the European Under-21s Championship is still on course.
Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge, who turned 21 two days earlier, was the man on target in the 1-0 victory in Barcelos and the Three Lions now head back home needing another victory in Tuesday afternoon's final Group Nine game.
"We needed to come here and win, we've achieved that," said Pearce before boarding the plane back to England to prepare for the game against Lithuania in Colchester.
"We have to make sure the players are fully focused on what we do on Tuesday because it is really important for the country and this group of players.
"We were pleased with everyone and there was a great contribution from all 18 players over the last few days. The only way you win matches is through a contribution from everybody.
Pearce continued: "There were very few efforts on our goal and if we'd have won the game by two or three goals it would have been a fair reflection on chances.
"I was very pleased and it keeps us in the mix for Tuesday evening as well."
Pearce was also complimentary of defensive pairing Chris Smalling and Phil Jones who linked up again well to keep their second clean sheet in two games.
Smalling also went up against his new Manchester United teammate Bebe and kept him relatively quiet throughout.
"I thought they played very well tonight. Obviously Chris knew Bebe, who's just signed for United, and Jonesy - for his age - was very impressive.
"The whole team done a shift, the likes of Daniel Sturridge and Danny Welbeck worked tirelessly for the team to give us a platform to defend from.
"From there, on occasions, we cut the opposition open with our movement and passing. It could have been better and hopefully it will be on Tuesday."
He added: "To win any international match isn't easy, and to come to Portugal and win when the pressure's on the players needs a good performance.
"The players have turned up here and if we're good enough to win the game on Tuesday then we're in a situation in the pressure of a play-off, which we saw against Wales last time. It's really difficult this qualification campaign."