Stuart Pearce plays down speculation over his England Under-21 future

England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce insists there is "no real issue" regarding his future despite speculation over his role with the Football Association.

The former England left-back's contract expires next summer and he has not been asked to reprise his role with the senior squad under current manager Roy Hodgson.

Pearce, though, has no concerns about his long-term position.

Ahead of tonight's final UEFA Under-21 Championship group stage qualifier against Norway, he told Press Association Sport: "I don't think there is any real issue in respect to my future.

"I've been with the FA for five and a half years and every time my contract is up for renewal, I renew it when it runs out, basically.

"That's happened on the last two occasions and I don't see that changing in any way, shape or form this time around either. Whatever I do won't be influenced before next summer anyway.

"I can't see that being the case."

On the pitch, Pearce will turn to Hodgson in the hope of calling on the likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Butland for next month's Euro play-off.

Pearce's side have secured their place in the hat for October's two-legged deciders ahead of next summer's finals in Israel.

They can boost their chances of coming through those play-offs by winning their final game against Norway and ensuring they are seeded in the draw.

But Pearce also wants to be able to select senior graduates such as Arsenal winger Oxlade-Chamberlain, Birmingham goalkeeper Butland and Tottenham full-back Kyle Walker for the games, which are played between October 11-16.

"I've spoken to Roy already in that respect and he's aware of my feelings in respect to the players," Pearce said.

"I wouldn't say the depth of talent we have in this country is massive, by any means.

"It's quite a shallow pool and we need to have to keep building on that depth of player, but it's important that our high-fliers and best players are all playing in every international get-together."

Senior coach Hodgson, though, has World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland to consider during that international window.

Asked how important it is to be able to call on players who have moved into the senior set-up, Pearce said: "I think it's absolutely vital.

"You've only got to look at the best team in the world at this moment in time, Spain. Three players went to the Euros this year and then went to the Olympics.

"The Olympics might in footballing terms be seen as below the Euros in the pecking order but not in Spanish eyes.

"We've also had World Cup winners in Juan Mata and Javi Martinez who have gone with the Spanish senior squad and got World Cup winners medals but then the following year have gone to the under-21 tournament.

"I think we have to embrace that model as well in this country and make sure that when we do elevate players to the senior squad, if there is tournament football, and 90 minutes' experience, that can be had, these players need to have that. Because that's where the learning comes from."

England will be without midfielder Josh McEachran (thigh strain) and suspended defender Craig Dawson for tonight's final Group Eight clash in Chesterfield.

PA