England U21s v Slovakia
International Under-21 Friendly
8pm, Tuesday 5 June, 2007
Carrow Road, Norwich City FC
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England Coach Stuart Pearce believes that any one of the eight teams going to Holland next week are in with a chance of becoming UEFA Under-21s Champions, but feels that his side has just what is needed to succeed.

As he prepared for his side's friendly fixture against Slovakia at Norwich on Tuesday, Pearce also said that the Finals will give the players the chance to shine on the international stage and gain some valuable tournament experience as they look to the future and full international honours.

"It's so wide open. We've played the Italians recently and drawn 3-3 and I've watched a lot of games in qualifying and probably the best team I've seen is Spain, and they've not even made it," he said. "So I think there are a lot of who'll fancy their chances strongly.

"It's very difficult call results at this level. Whoever wins the tournament will have their work cut out, but we feel we've got a realistic chance and time will tell.

"The main thing for me is winning things, whatever level you are at. Winning something is the most important thing, it breeds success and breeds a culture. If we do end up being successful in the tournament, individually these players would have done themselves no harm at all," he continued.

"Their ambitions must be to be in the senior squad and it would put them in the shop window for Steve [McClaren] as well."

A summer of football will extend the season for England's 23-man squad, but the former Nottingham Forest full-back says player fatigue should not be a factor.

Pearce, who made 78 appearances for England and appeared in three major international tournaments, reckons England's players are fully prepared for what is in store.

"I think it's a state of mind. If you keep telling yourself you're tired then you'll feel tired. Personally I ended up playing nine summers in a row," said Pearce.

"Players are so prepared and well looked after now so all we have to do is tap into their mind and make sure they are bright in their mind. Most countries that come to this tournament will be in the same boat, so it won't be a problem."

The Coach also feels that England have some very experienced players and gave particular praise for Steven Taylor for his attitude. The Newcastle defender will miss England's first Group B match next week due to suspension, but Pearce believes that players like him are invaluable in the team.

He added: "Anyone who has gained that much experience at this level is invaluable. Steven's well respected and has been around this squad most of this campaign. If you play for a team like Newcastle, in front of 52,000 each week, then you've got to be well respected."

"He trains like he plays, which I like to see in my players. He's honest, he's genuine and the more players you have around your squad like that, then the better off you are."

The England team flies out to Holland later this week, with their first game in Arnhem against Czech Republic on Monday night. Before they head of though, they'll be looking to retain their unbeaten record this season with the friendly at Carrow Road.

Pearce is looking forward to the match in Norfolk and believes it's a perfect place for the Three Lions to sign off against a side who'll provide a good test ahead of the Championship.

"It's probably an ideal venue for an Under-21 game. It's always a good pitch here, I think there'll be a good attendance and it will be a good game for our final preparation for the tournament

"We're hoping for a big crowd so hopefully we can put a show on for the public in East Anglia. We hope to come out of the game having had a good workout and hopefully a victory under our belt.