Pearce tempted by full-time England job

Pearce personified patriotism during his 78 caps and described representing his country at any level as an honour, which suggests turning down a job offer from the Football Association would be difficult for the 45-year-old.

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"I would seriously think about doing it," he said.

"I find it a great honour to work for England, always have done and probably always will do.

"It gives me great pride to work within the FA. It's how you feel inside with your personal pride. For me it means a great deal."

Ambitions of returning to club football is a factor following his dismissal at Manchester City the day after the Premier League season finished, although a new role for the under-21s boss would mean he would be just as busy.

Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of football development, has discussed an all-encompassing role for the next under-21 boss, looking at younger age groups as well as the feeder for the seniors.

Pearce agrees with England boss Steve McClaren that the role should be full-time, although this has not been ratified by the FA board yet.

"It should be full-time. That's not me talking as someone who might be interested in the job in the future," said Pearce.

"It's me looking from the outside, if you consider it a serious feeder team then it is a full-time job."

Pearce working with the FA earlier in his coaching career made him one of the leading candidates to take over from Peter Taylor for the European Championships. His record at City of bringing through young players is also impressive.

Although his signings were not as successful, the youngsters at Eastlands have either established themselves at City or moved to a bigger club.

"Manchester City probably survived last season on the academy links - players from the academy into the first-team squad and then flourishing," Pearce said.

"I'm talking about the Micah Richards, Joey Bartons and Shaun Wright-Phillips. It should be no different at international level.

"The manager of the seniors should have permanent and good links with the under-21 manager - are they good enough to make that breakthrough? That's how I see it, that's how it should be in the future."

He added: "Whenever your services are sought after by any organisation, they see something good in you. It's the same with me buying a player.

"The FA decided to approach me in January, it obviously tells you that maybe I ticked one or two of the boxes of the criteria they were looking for in an under-21 manager."

If the under-21s beat Serbia in Nijmegen on Sunday they are guaranteed a place in the semi-finals in Holland, bolstering Pearce's CV. A draw may be good enough depending on how Italy and Czech Republic get on in the other Group B clash.

Pearce feels the tournament will be beneficial for his players if they are to graduate to the seniors.

"There are certainly individuals who are good enough to go on to play for the full squad," he added. "It's easy to get one or two caps, the trick is getting in there and staying there.

"I've seen enough talent to suggest there are players in the squad with seniors credentials. I don't think the gap is that big anymore."

Serbia have already qualified for the last four but Pearce believes they will still be motivated for victory.

He added: "The players who come in have something to prove.

"We have one permutation - winning. We feel if we don't win the game we go out of the competitions. I think the Italians will beat the Czechs."

Pearce is hopeful of Anton Ferdinand making his first appearance of the tournament following a groin problem, but he has a concern over Leighton Baines after he picked up an ankle injury.

Scott Carson will set a new record for England Under-21 caps, his 28 being one better than Jamie Carragher and Gareth Barry.