Jack Butland hopes Stuart Pearce is kept on as England Under-21 boss

Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland has given his backing to England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce following the team's exit from the U21 European Championships.

The Young Lions failed to pick up a point in Israel, prompting rumours that Pearce could lose his job with the national side.

"For a legend of the game like Stuart Pearce, it is difficult to apologise, but there is no-one else to blame but the players," BBC Sport quotes Butland as saying.

"We were on the pitch, I hope he stays in the job. He works extremely hard and does everything necessary to make sure we are successful and gives us all the right tools. I really do hope he stays."

Recent reports have claimed that Gareth Southgate could replace Pearce at Under-21 level.