Pearce passion inspires us all

Pearce said farewell to his squad in Arnhem and as he addressed his beaten troops, he dropped the biggest hint yet that he wishes to continue as coach on a full-time basis.

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Injured defender Steven Taylor — one of the heroes of Wednesday's agonising penalty shoot-out defeat to Holland in the semi-final — spoke for all his team-mates when he again questioned why David Bentley and Gabriel Agbonlahor withdrew from Pearce's squad.

Taylor said: "You have to ask those players who were watching at home whether they regret not being here. They must have seen the rest of the lads working so hard and sticking together.

"The players who didn't come are probably kicking themselves now, wishing they were involved because we were so close to getting to the final. We believe we could have won.

"Those who weren't in the squad had their own reasons. It's up to them. But I don't think there's any bigger honour than representing your country. I don't care if it's a friendly, but especially the European Championship. It's the biggest stage, you're playing for England and you have to be here."

Taylor was on crutches after suffering an ankle injury that saw the Newcastle defender hobble throughout extra time.

Hailed as a hero by Pearce after managing to limp forward and score a penalty in the dramatic 32-kick shoot-out in Heerenveen, Taylor revealed that Dutch coach Foppe De Haan called him something far less complimentary as officials debated whether an injured player should take a penalty.

Taylor added: "Our coach Nigel Pearson told me that if it got to taker No 10 then I would have to take it but I didn't think it would get that far. When it did, the fourth official told me to get off the pitch as he presumed I couldn't take it. But their manager came up to me, shouting 'coward' and 'cheat'. I couldn't believe he called me that. But I went up and took the penalty, grabbed the ball and got on with it. No better feeling than sticking it in back of net.

"The coach didn't apologise. I wish Holland all the best but there's no way he's going to call me a cheat or a coward. It's not in my character."

Holland face Serbia in the final tomorrow with England still wondering how Pearce failed to get them there. He has made mistakes. He picked the wrong team for the opening group game, waited too long to send on a defensive midfielder when trying to keep Italy at bay and perhaps withdrew striker Leroy Lita too early in the semi-final.

Yet, on the whole, the 42-year-old has emerged with credit from his first engagement since losing his job at Manchester City.

An inspirational figure to young footballers, Pearce has proved he is able to get the best from those who are not always as gifted as opponents. Because of these qualities Pearce will be offered the fulltime post by the FA and it appears he has told his players he will accept it.

Taylor added: "We had a meeting last night before we went to bed. He said farewell to the older guys who can't play any more. But he's like one of the lads. It means so much to him. The passion he gives out is immense.

"To have him as manager is fantastic. To train with him is an unbelievable experience. For a defender, to work with him is top-class. He's one of the most passionate English players I've ever seen.

"He inspires me — and not just me. I'm speaking on behalf of the rest of the lads. He's a massive figure in the dressingroom.

"The Italians have Gianfranco Zola but having Stuart Pearce as manager is brilliant.

"He reminds me of Alan Shearer when he was captain of Newcastle. When he speaks everyone listens. It means a lot."

IAN LADYMAN'S THREE LIONS

STEVEN TAYLOR

Arguably England's player of the tournament. A talented nuts-and-bolts centre half and a young man who leads by example.

NEDUM ONUOHA

Has three As at A-level and is equally intelligent on the field. Quick, reads the game well and does not panic. No ego.

MARK NOBLE

Not in the team at the start of the tournament but grew in stature as the championships went on. Genuine potential.

... AND THREE LOSERS

KIERAN RICHARDSON

Has ever one player had so much talent but contributed so little? Needs to ask himself why he was not in this team.

TOM HUDDLESTONE

A huge disappointment. Talented but needs to make more of himself and control the back-chat.

DAVID BENTLEY

Oh dear. Has written his own England suicide note simply by not turning up.