Pearce renews vows with England Under-21s

Stuart Pearce has agreed to extend his tenure as England Under-21 manager by signing a new two-year contract with the Football Association (FA).

Pearce first took over the side in 2007 and in his four years at the helm has guided his charges to an unprecedented three successive UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals, including a final appearance in 2009 and a semi-final encounter in 2007.

The former England international also works alongside England manager Fabio Capello as a member of his coaching staff and will continue to honour his duties in this role including the remaining fixtures of the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign.

"I am delighted to have signed my new contract and to be able to continue in a role I very much enjoy," said the 49-year-old. "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."

England begin their 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign at home against Azerbaijan on 1 September, before embarking on away trips to Iceland and Norway a month later. England's next UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying encounter will take place in Sofia against Bulgaria on 2 September.