Southgate is tip for Stu’s job

STUART PEARCE is facing the axe after England Under-21s crashed out of Euro 2013.

The Young Lions chief, whose contract expires at the end of this month, will hold talks with the FA next week.

He has made no secret of his desire to continue, six years after taking on the role. But a new deal seems unlikely.

Former Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is one of the leading contenders to take over. Peter Taylor and Phil Neville have also been linked with the job, as has ex- England chief Glenn Hoddle.

FA chairman David Bernstein — who retires next month to be replaced by Greg Dyke — refused to speak about Pearce’s future.

He said: “That will be discussed after the tournament.

“He has been pretty successful for us but this tournament hasn’t been a success.

“Overall, I think he’s done well over a long period, particularly with all the factors. He’s operated with quite a difficult hand.”

After losing 1-0 to Italy in their tournament opener, England fell 3-1 to Norway on Saturday. And Fredrik Semb Berge, who opened the scoring, reckons England crashed out because they have no team spirit or decent strikers.

He said: “They had a lot of possession but we outplayed them. We were good defensively and took our chances. We deserved to win because we are more of a team. We stick together.

“I know a lot of people are surprised we beat England but I am not shocked by it. We knew we had a good chance.

“England play good football but they can’t score.”

Celtic defender Thomas Rogne added: “We just wanted it more than the England players did.”

Former England star Sol Campbell also raised doubts about the Young Lions’ attitude and ability.

He said: “I think that the Under-21s, and with football in general in England, the quality has gone down.”