Stuart Pearce signs new England deal

Pearce will also continue to work with the senior England team alongside manager Fabio Capello (REUTERS)

Stuart Pearce has signed a new two-year contract to remain as England Under-21 manager, the Football Association announced today.

Pearce, 49, has led the Under-21s into three successive European Under-21 Championships, reaching the semi-finals in 2007 before going one better and guiding his team to the final in 2009.

The former full-back, who represented the England senior side on 78 occasions, also managed the team at this summer's event but his side was eliminated at the group stage.

It was also announced Pearce would continue to work with the senior England team alongside manager Fabio Capello.

The former Manchester City manager said: "I am delighted to have signed my new contract and to be able to continue in a role I very much enjoy.

"In my time with the England Under-21s we have experienced an excellent record and my aim now is to qualify for Israel in 2013 and hopefully go on to secure silverware with another exciting group of young players.

"It remains a privilege for me to represent my country and contribute to the FA's work at international level, but also at grassroots level and significantly into the St George's Park [national football centre] development and to the future of coach education in England."

David Bernstein, the FA chairman, believes Pearce has a crucial role to play.

"Continuity is vital as we continue to build our club ethos, and Stuart is an important member of the England coaching structure," Bernstein said.

"I know he was as disappointed as anyone at the Under-21s' most recent tournament results at the European Championships in Denmark, but we mustn't forget the team had an excellent qualifying campaign and continues to produce young players ready and prepared for senior team experience."