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Pearce: Backing McClaren

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Stuart Pearce feels Steve McClaren should continue to lead England regardless of what happens in their Euro 2008 qualifying group, and is looking forward to working closely with him as Under 21s manager for the next two years.

England's fate is out of their hands this weekend as Russia look to close in on securing their qualification with victory over Israel, while Croatia need only to avoid defeat against Macedonia.

There is already speculation about whether McClaren will stay in charge if England do not finish in the top two but Pearce believes he should be given a vote of confidence.

Pearce is also upbeat about England's chances of making it to next summer's tournament.

Best man for the job

He told Sky Sports News: "In football you can win a game and be the best there is, or you can lose a game and be unemployable and I find that quite incredible. I don't like to live my life with those standards.

"I hope for the organisation's point of view that next week Steve is still the manager and we've qualified for a major tournament. England are a major force and we have to be at big tournaments.

I don't think it's odds-on that we won't qualify. There's a game on Saturday afternoon and it's not done until late on Wednesday, and by that time we might have qualified.

"Until that happens we'll wait and see. I still feel Steve is still the best man for the job.

"I have a great link with him for the job that I do and I hope that carries on for a couple of years for that continuity that certain football clubs and organisations need."

Committed

Pearce's Under 21s side has flourished in recent months and he insists he is committed to his job until the next European Championship in 2009, although he admits it is flattering to be linked with Premier League clubs.

He explained: "When I sat down with the Football Association in the summer I told them I would stay as long as they want me or for the duration of my contract, it's as simple as that.

"It's very nice to be linked with certain jobs, especially Premier League jobs, but as far as I'm concerned, I honestly believe that this group of players need to know who their manager is for the duration of a qualifying tournament.

"I'm very proud and honoured to be under 21s manager. The players need continuity and I'm prepared to give them that continuity.

"I want to see this out and hopefully win a tournament in two years' time."