City Fans Watch First England Game For Pearce

Last updated : 01 March 2012 By Kev Monks at Wembley

A good number of City supporter were at Wembley Stadium tonight to see former Coventry City defender Stuart Pearce take charge of an England national team for the first time.

The U21 boss, who was appointed as caretaker manager following the resignation of Fabio Capello, saw his team which had Scott Parker as captain, go down to a 3-2 defeat.

Former City youngster Danny Sturridge was named on the bench and came on as a 33rd minute replacement for Steve Gerrard who tweeked a hamstring.

The vast majority of a crowd given at 79,328 were stunned by two goals from Holland twelve minutes into the second half. Former Chelsea player Arjen Robben was allowed to go on a run before beating Joe Hart with an excellent shot and less than a minute later, the Dutch went two goals up when Huntelaar beat Chris Smalling to head home.

The pair clashed heads, leaving both players needing a visit to hospital.

With Sturridge forced off after injuring a toe, England fought back and a great run by Gary Cahill in the 85th minute had Stuart Pearce's side back in the match.

England kept up the pressure and in the last minute, they levelled when Ashley Young swept home.

However, any thoughts of a draw were soon ended when Holland went up the other end through Arjen Robben whose deflected shot went high into the net and meant a first defeat for the England caretaker manager. 

 

Picture copyright of Covsupport News Service. Credit CNS/KM