Wolverhampton Wanderers defender impresses for England

Nov 20 2008

COACH Stuart Pearce admitted Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Richard Stearman might have pushed himself into the reckoning for a place in England's squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championships next summer.

The Wolves defender produced an assured performance at centre-back on his debut in the Under-21s' 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in a friendly international at Bramall Lane yesterday.

And despite the defensive riches Pearce is likely to have at his disposal for the tournament in Sweden in June 2009, he has been impressed with the application and attitude of Stearman.

"I was absolutely delighted with Richard - he put in a very good performance," Pearce said.

"The position is probably the strongest we have in the squad bearing in mind that David Wheater, Steven Taylor, Micah Richards and Michael Mancienne weren't here.

"And I have got a player in Stearman who has gone out and put in a good solid performance at the heart of my defence on his debut for the side.

"One or two players - if not three of four - have come in and done particularly well.

"Some of the youngsters have said 'hey, you can shove me on at half-time or even start with us because we won't get phased by playing for the England Under-21 side', which is great to see.

"Richard has been omitted from the last two or three squads but when we've had injuries or people pull out, we have had to call him up.

"And he's turned up at the drop of a hat two or three times and had to be patient for his chance to play and now it's come so he's thoroughly deserved it.

"And I think Stearman - where some players get criticised - his attitude has been spot on. Where some players might say 'well, if you're not picking me then I'm not coming' but that's