Pearce happy to swap sides

Stuart Pearce insisted yesterday he has had no problem switching off from his commitments at Manchester City and turning to coaching the England Under-21 squad after his first training session with the youngsters ahead of tonight's friendly with Spain at Pride Park.

Pearce said: "[At City] I had six first-team players available to train and 10 away on international duty. We've had to bring four players up from the academy to supplement the numbers and make the training worthwhile.

"When you put things in perspective, there's very little going on at City or other Premiership clubs this week because of international commitments. I've got players who have won, drawn or lost at the weekend, but we're with the Under-21s now," he said.

"You get a result on Saturday, try to flush it out of your system on Sunday and come Monday try to put a smile on your face - to enhance what you've got or lift the players."

Pearce has been impressed by the attitude he has seen in the squad, saying: "From the first session I've seen, they've got enough passion in them. There is a lovely team spirit. There is an abundance of talent and it's a case of trying to enhance what they've already got. I've been impressed."

Pearce will watch their next friendly "from afar" before preparing the team for the European Championships in the Netherlands in June. He also revealed that he does not intend to change his approach or style of coaching, even though he has a limited time with his team. "It's exactly the same," he said. "I'll be myself, whether it's club or country it doesn't matter."