'Hurt' Pearce backs England to bounce back
Stuart Pearce says players will come back stronger from 4-0 defeat by Germany
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Tuesday, 30, Jun 2009 10:22
England under-21s manager Stuart Pearce has backed his players to use the "anger" of their 4-0 defeat by Germany to come back stronger in two years' time.
The Three Lions' youngsters suffered a heavy defeat to their German counterparts in the final of the European Championships in Malmo - just 24 months after the heartbreak of a penalty shootout loss to Holland in the 2007 tournament.
But rather than dwell on the nature of the defeat, which saw several England stars in a dejected and emotional state at the final whistle, Pearce called on his players to be "humble".
The manager said: "It hurts me and the players in the dressing room, but half of them can go on again next time and we have to improve on what we have done.
"It is a learning curve for young players and they have to learn how to be humble and come out and say the right thing.
"I think all of them will go back to their clubs better players than when they joined us three-weeks ago, and hopefully the hurt will still be inside them and they can make sure to turn that around and improve in two years' time."
Pearce revealed he would hold one final team meeting at the hotel before sending the players home later today.
"We will have a meal together and I will speak with the whole squad and split them into two groups," he said.
"I will thank one group, those who won't be back again for us, on behalf of the Football Association and the whole of England for what they have done.
"The other group has got to store up that anger they have got inside them now and put things right for the next two-year campaign."