Pearce plea to UEFA

England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has travelled to Switzerland to help get Tom Huddlestone’s suspension reduced for next year’s European Championship finals.

Huddlestone, 21, was given a three-match ban after his straight red card for a tackle on Darcy Blake in the qualifying play-off against Wales in October - putting his place in the tournament in jeopardy as he would have missed the entire group stage.

Pearce was in Nyon for the appeal and, after highlighting Huddlestone’s previous disciplinary record, saw his player’s punishment reduced to two matches.

The decision effectively extends Huddlestone’s under-21 career as Pearce was reluctant to pick a player that could not play until the semi-finals.

Part of the appeal outlined how the two previous red cards in his career were for dissent and an off-the-ball incident, rather than dangerous tackling.

Pearce’s contract with the Football Association ends after the tournament in Sweden next summer – but England boss Fabio Capello wants him to stay in his backroom staff for at least the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

“I hope Stuart will stay with me,” said Capello.

“I am very happy with him. He is a fantastic coach and a fantastic colleague, and I hope he will be with me next season.”