England must take final step, says Pearce

STUART PEARCE has told his England Under-21s that heroic failure counts for nothing – and they must create a new chapter of history when they face Germany in the European Championship final in Malmo tonight (7.45pm).

Pearce has been part of several near misses – losing as a player in semi-finals against Germany on penalties at Italia 90 and Euro 96 – and he is not satisfied by qualifying for this tournament, travelling to Sweden and reaching the final.

The fact the final is against old rivals Germany adds to the pressure, with Pearce willing to settle for nothing less than victory.