• Euro 2012

Pearce appointment would be great - Sturridge

ESPN staff
March 1, 2012
Daniel Sturridge replaced Steven Gerrard at around the half-hour mark on Wednesday © PA Photos
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England forward Daniel Sturridge has strongly supported Stuart Pearce's claim to lead the Three Lions at Euro 2012.

Interim boss Pearce was in charge as England lost 3-2 to Netherlands on Wednesday - and, while he does not feel ready for the job in the long term, he is happy to be the main man in the dugout for this summer's tournament.

Sturridge, who knows Pearce well from their time at Manchester City and with England Under-21s, is impressed with how the Nottingham Forest legend handled the squad this week - although he would have no complaints if bookmakers' favourite Harry Redknapp landed the role full-time.

"It made my job easier, because I know [Pearce] very well," Sturridge told Sky Sports News. "He's helped me throughout my career.

"Of course I would [be happy if Stuart led the team at Euro 2012] … I've known Pearce since I was 16 at Manchester City, and to have him as manager would be great. I know Harry Redknapp's in the frame, and if he got the job I'd be very happy also. He's a great man-manager, he gets the best out of all his players."

Manchester United winger Ashley Young, who got on the scoresheet against Netherlands, has also hailed Pearce. "The last few days have been good," Young said. "Everybody's bonded and got on with the job.

"We don't know who's going to be the manager but Stuart Pearce was manager for this game and I think he did well."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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