LONDON: England caretaker manager Stuart Pearce said he was ready to lead the country into the European Championships on Thursday after naming a youthful squad for next week’s friendly with Holland.
Pearce was appointed to take charge of England for the Wembley international following the shock resignation of Fabio Capello earlier this month, but is not regarded as a long-term option for the post. However with the Football Association yet to make a formal approach to Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp, Pearce confirmed Thursday he would be willing to take charge of England at this summer’s finals in Poland and Ukraine. “I’m available and I have tournament experience if they need me to step into the breach in the summer,” Pearce told reporters. “If they need me to take the squad in the summer I will do that with pleasure.”
Pearce, who is coach of England’s under-21 team and who will manage Britain’s football team at the Olympics, also defended his decision to omit veterans such as Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand from next week’s match.
“I know Frank, Rio and some of the other senior players I don’t think I would learn anything watching them play next Wednesday. But I might learn something from watching some of the younger players.’
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard meanwhile is in line to make his first appearance for England since 2010 after being included amongst the midfielders.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Scott Carson (Bursaspor/TUR), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Robert Green (West Ham United)
Defenders: Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Leighton Baines (Everton), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Phil Jones (Manchester United), Micah Richards (Manchester City), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker ( Tottenham Hotspur)
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Man City), Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Stewart Downing (Liverpool), Adam Johnson (Man City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), James Milner (Man City), Scott Parker (Tottenham Hotspur), Ashley Young (Man United), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).
Forwards: Darren Bent (Aston Villa), Fraizer Campbell (Sunderland), Daniel Sturridge (Chelsea), Wayne Rooney (Man United), Danny Welbeck (Man United). (Agencies)
