Stuart Pearce passes on penalty shoot-out experience to U21 side

Pearce missed his spot-kick at Italia 90 and redeemed himself at Euro 96 but lost on both occasions; then two years ago he reached the last four as a coach before his under-21s went out on penalties to Holland.

Since then his players have practised penalties after every training session, and it could be put into practice if the clash in Gothenburg against the hosts ends level after extra-time.

"I've gone out on penalties at three of the four major tournaments I've been to," said Pearce.

"For me not to make my team fully aware of the implications of a penalty shoot-out would be folly. We've practised for two years.

"After this tournament, the next squad will be practising penalties - and all the information we've collated will stay with us. We like to think we do things thoroughly."

Pearce has a full squad to choose from after resting his first-choice players against Germany.

Gabriel Agbonlahor came off with calf problems during the victory over Spain but is fit and available for selection, while James Milner returns from suspension.

Theo Walcott has not played more than a half in each match so far.

But Pearce is refusing to treat him differently to others in squad, despite the Arsenal winger establishing himself in Fabio Capello's seniors.

"Theo is a very professional man," said Pearce.
"So am I. I have to cater for all 23 players in this squad, which I've done.

"They know exactly where they stand with me, and there is an even playing field when there is an opportunity to get in or out of the team. I have to work with Theo, I hope, for the next 15 years."

With Walcott fresh and his full squad fit, Pearce feels his team are yet to peak.

"I think there is better form to come from all my players," he said.

"All 23 can improve. In matches, we can get better as a team - and I think we will get better as games go by."

Centre-back Nedum Onuoha echoed the thoughts of his coach.

"I think we're more confident than we were going into the tournament, because we've played three games now and we've done well in those games," he said.

"Sweden will obviously have the support. But at the same time, in the games that we've played - like against Finland - they had more supporters.

"We can win the tournament. But it's one game at a time, because if you start thinking about the final when you play against a team like Sweden in the semi-final, then you'll never get your reward."