Pearce releases five U21s early

England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has allowed five players to return early to their Premier League clubs.

He has released Sunderland duo Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck, Manchester United's Chris Smalling and Bolton's Fabrice Muamba and Daniel Sturridge. All five featured in the 4-0 win over Denmark earlier this week.

But they will miss the friendly against Iceland at Deepdale on Monday night, as will Manchester City's Micah Richards, who has a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, the Football Association announced that Pearce's team will face Norway in Southampton on 5 June for their final friendly ahead of the European Under-21 Championship in Denmark this summer.

England Under-21s qualified for the tournament after beating Romania 2-1 on aggregate in a two-legged play-off in October 2010.

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Stuart Pearce: I Would Be Honoured To Manage Great Britain Team At London 2012

Wembley’s U21 boss would jump at the chance to lead the football team at the Olympic Games.

England U21 manager Stuart Pearce admits he would be open to the idea of leading Team GB into the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The Football Association are keen for Pearce to be involved in the tournament as most of his U21 players will be called up for the opportunity.

The FA’s of  Scotland, Wales and Ireland have banned their stars the chance to compete over fears it may create Fifa pressure to unite the teams in future.

Other managers have also been linked with the role, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Harry Redknapp and Roy Hodgson.

But their day jobs mean it is unlikely they will be called upon.

No decision has yet been made but Pearce would jump at the chance if he was offered the post.

“I’ve no idea about the Olympics,” he said. “I might be throwing the hammer.

“If I was asked to take a team to the Olympics, I’d be delighted to accept.”

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