England legend Stuart Pearce's son killed in tractor crash aged 21

The Pearce family have paid tribute to Harley following the tragic news of his death in a tractor crash. The 21-year-old, who ran an agriculture business, was the younger of two children that the former England and Nottingham Forest defender shares with his former wife Liz. 

A statement read: "Our family is truly shocked and utterly heartbroken at the loss of our cherished son and devoted brother. A soul who left an unforgettable imprint on all who knew him. This shocking tragedy will leave a huge hole in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. With a quiet, understated strength and deep kindness, we are so proud of the young man he had become, exhibiting a wonderful work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit in the farming industry. He will always be our shining star. Rest in peace, our beautiful son and brother. You will never ever be forgotten."

Pearce played for Nottingham Forest, Coventry, Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester City during a playing career that spanned over 20 years, and his former clubs have posted tributes to Harley on social media in the wake of the sad news.

Nottingham Forest wrote: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Harley Pearce. The thoughts of everyone connected with Nottingham Forest are with Stuart and his family at this truly difficult time."

West Ham United posted: "We are saddened to hear of Harley Pearce's passing. Everyone at the club sends their deepest condolences to Stuart and his family at this tragic time."

And Manchester City also wrote a tribute: "Everyone at Manchester City sends their love and thoughts to Stuart and his family at this very difficult time."

Pearce won 78 caps for England and is perhaps best known for his cathartic celebrations after scoring a penalty at Euro '96 against Spain, some six years after he had missed in the 1990 World Cup semi-final shootout against Germany and left the pitch in tears. 

The defender also captained his country and had a stint as caretaker manager for a single match in 2012. Pearce also took charge of the Under-21s, overseeing a run to the final of the European Championship in 2009, and managed the Great Britain team at the 2012 Olympics in London.

His move into management came after an impressive playing career that saw him make over 400 appearances for Nottingham Forest, winning two League Cup titles, while he also enjoyed spells at Newcastle and Manchester City, going on to manage the latter.

Pearce was awarded an MBE after hanging up his boots and has since undertaken other roles in the media in punditry and co-commentary.

Pearce suffered health issues earlier this year on board a flight to Las Vegas as he was travelling to the United States to watch his rugby league team, Warrington Wolves, play Wigan Warriors. The former England star was rushed to a Canadian hospital after falling ill and subsequently revealed that doctors had to reboot his heart. 

He spoke about the incident with his typical good humour afterwards: "I'm in good form, absolutely brilliant. On the flight I had chest pains and the crew on Virgin were brilliant, they took care of me fantastically and then said, 'Look, we're not going to take the chance travelling across the Atlantic, we're going to drop you off'."

Pearce spent several days in hospital before being discharged, while Nottingham Forest and Manchester City fans showed their support for their former player by holding a minute's applause in the third minute - a reference to his famous No. 3 shirt - when the two teams met at the City Ground shortly afterwards.

Gloucestershire Constabulary has confirmed that Pearce and his family are now being supported by specially trained officers and have also appealed for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.

Pearce's talkSPORT colleague, presenter Jim White, has also offered his support to the family. He said: "It goes without saying everybody here on this show and at talkSPORT sends our heartfelt condolences to the family of Stuart Pearce after that tragic news we've just heard."