Germany

Pearce: U-21 Defeat To Germany A Failure

Young Lions must return home with the trophy, says the former left-back.

Jun 29, 2009 8:01:48 AM

England: Stuart Pearce Manchester City (AFP)

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England: Stuart Pearce Manchester City (AFP)

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England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has declared defeat to Germany in tonight's European Championship final will be regarded as nothing more than a failure.

The Young Lions topped their group but nearly crashed out of the tournament to hosts Sweden in the semi-final.

England had led 3-0 at half-time and looked set for the final before relinquishing their advantage.

Pearce's men held on and won the game on penalties, but he believes losing to old rivals Germany tonight is simply not good enough.

"Success is not coming away as a gallant loser," the told a press conference.

"We feel we have had no success yet. The only way we will deem to have success is if we win.

"Whoever goes away without the trophy will not think they have had a good tournament."

England and Germany have already met in the group stages of the tournament, drawing 1-1 as Pearce made 10 changes to his side after securing qualification with victory over Spain.

Jamie Dunn, Goal.com

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