Stansfield is Blues' Pearce de resistance!

STUART Pearce says he 'expected slightly more' of Jay Stansfield as England defended their European Under-21 Championships title - but is backing the Blues striker to score goals in the Championship.

- By BRIAN DICK

Stansfield followed up a 24-goal and League One-winning season by playing an important part in Lee Carsley’s team as they went all the way in Slovakia, initially starting on the bench in the group games but proving himself a key contributor in the knockout stages.

England looked disjointed in attack, trying to operate with a false nine until the 22-year-old was introduced into the starting lineup and produced several selfless displays, especially effective leading the press. However, he didn’t score and missed a couple of good chances.

Pearce, the former England and Nottingham Forest defender, told Boyle Sports: “I watched the under-21 Euros and expected slightly more of Jay Stansfield. He certainly led the line and I think maybe his value was seen when he wasn’t in the team.