Stuart Pearce: 'Blame the players, not me'

England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has heaped blame on his players for their 'poor performances' during the Under-21 European Championsip.

England lost to hosts Israel this evening, compounding a miserable tournament and sending the Young Lions home without picking up a single point.

"I honestly don't believe I should be here answering questions on behalf of them," said Pearce.

"They should be here answering questions on why their performances were so poor, to be honest with you.

"I don't think it's my responsibility at this stage to answer for a performance as bad as that."

The 51-year-old's contract is up at the end of the month.