Pearce named as England U21 boss

Pearce was linked to the job for the senior England team in 2006

The Football Association has appointed Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce as part-time England Under-21s manager.

But Pearce has confirmed that he will not be applying for the job full-time after the summer, saying: "Manchester City is my main priority."

Pearce will take charge of the England Under-21 team for next week's friendly against Spain and this summer's European Under-21s Championship finals.

FA officials reached a compromise with City to install Pearce in the job.

Interview: England U21 manager Stuart Pearce

To allay City's fears that their boss would be distracted at a key stage of the Premiership campaign, he will miss an Under-21 friendly in March.

Pearce added: "Hopefully, I can be a success. Certainly, the whole idea is to try and win the Championships.

"But, after that, I will come back to the club and work for Manchester City.

"The club have been extremely good in allowing me to go and get more experience but, after the summer, I will be back at Manchester City.

"I won't be involved in the Under-21s after the summer because I will not be applying for the job."

Pearce will be assisted by Newcastle coach Nigel Pearson.

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"It is a fantastic honour for me," said the City boss.

"I was planning to attend the June tournament for scouting purposes.

"Now I will have an opportunity of getting more out of the competition by working with the best youngsters in this country and pitting my wits against coaches from different nations."