Pearce disappointed with withdrawal

England Under 21 manager Stuart Pearce has talked of his disappointment at David Bentley's decision to withdrawal from the upcoming European Championships in Holland.

"I had an inkling when Mark Hughes spoke to me on Wednesday and said he wanted to pull the boy out, but I said 'no' as I didn't find that acceptable," said Pearce.
 
"Then I spoke with David and he said to me on the back of a long season - and possible burn-out next season - that he would like to pull himself out of the tournament.

"I tried to say to him and explain the situation, 'Where does that leave you next summer if you get in the full squad and have a full season? 'Do you say then you would be fatigued for the next season.'

"Also I tried to point out that I can't pull another player into the squad, so England as a national side would be a player light - also I have the likes of Reo-Coker, Milner, you name it - they are all in the same position for me on the back of a full season, but they want to be here and want to represent their country. From my point of view to say I am disappointed is a massive understatement.

"But then again maybe I just come from a different generation."

He continued: "The fact of the matter is that you know full well that you might spend seven, nine, seasons in-a-row - the Lampards, the Terrys they all do that and that is what players are aspiring to do - play each summer,"

"If you play every summer in some way shape or form, it means you are representing your country either at a big tournament or qualifiers or whatever it may be.

"As I said, to say I am disappointed is a massive understatement.