Germany Expose Pearce Pitfalls

The U21 European Championships came to an unspectacular end as a strong, skilful German outfit swept aside England 4-0. The young Lions without suspended first choice keeper Ian Harte, entered the match with high-hopes fresh from an impressive result against Spain and a hard-fought penalty victory over Sweden. But on the night, the resilience exhibited in the previous rounds never shone through as Germany’s attack, orchestrated by the nimble Mesut Ozil, continually ripped England’s defence to shreds.

Pearce's boys might as well have laid down

Prior to the four nil drubbing, English media lavished praise on Stuart Pearce’s tenure, touting his tactical nous and man-management skills. The bookies immediately installed the ex-Man City manager as hot favorite to succeed Fabio Capello at senior level. Twenty-four hours later and those odds have widened considerably as a lethargic and unimaginative England side were left licking their wounds in Malmo.