England U21s slammed by Sir Trevor Brooking

Stuart Pearce has been backed to carry on being Psycho - but FA chief Sir Trevor Brooking cracked the whip and warned England are still way short of being worldbeaters.

The England Under-21 boss has escaped censure from his bosses after his touchline fury - including ranting at officials and raising his fists at a German player after a bad tackle - as England crashed to a 4-0 defeat to Germany in the Euro 2009 final.

That led No.2 Steve Wigley to defend Pearce yesterday saying: "It is not a case of the lunatics taking over the asylum!"

Brooking admitted the nation is still miles away from producing the conveyor belt of talent required by senior boss Fabio Capello.

He identified Kieran Gibbs, Jack Rodwell, Micah Richards and James Milner as shining through for the U-21s on their run to the final.

But in a devastating critique of England's showing, Sir Trevor, the FA's director of football development, admitted England:

- Haven't got the talent in depth coming through that we need

- Have been poor "decisionmakers" for 10-15 years

- Are short of quality attacking full-backs

- Are lacking creative spark in central midfield

- Need to "nurture" skill better

- Play too many square, negative balls at the back

- Struggle in hot weather and afternoon tournament games.

Brooking recognised England have progressed under Pearce by reaching the final, and will be better for experiencing the demands of tournament football - but he wants a bigger pool of talent emerging, and three lads from the U-21s to kick on to the senior team.

He said: "We are progressing, but I don't think we have the depth of talent coming through that we should have."

On the positives Brooking said: "Kieran Gibbs and Jack Rodwell have done really well. They are eligible for the next U-21 cycle, although we have kicked people into the seniors if they can cope with it.

"James Milner, Gabby Agbonlahor, Joe Hart and Theo (Walcott) have had firstteam experience.

"Lee Cattermole had a decent tournament, his passing is getting better. Micah Richards did well because he had a tough season.

"Two years ago we got to the semis, now the final, and the players have benefited massively.

"The creative role is one we have to try to produce more. You've got to encourage the gift and nurture it.

"We do need full-backs who are better in the attacking half of the pitch. One of the areas to be improved is their decision-making.

"You have got to be able to play out from the back, and be much quicker possession-wise.

"We struggled in afternoon games, against Finland and Sweden. In the warmer climate you have got to keep the ball better."

Pearce will stay on as boss after signing a new two-year deal last week, but FA chief executive Ian Watmore said: "We are not even looking at an heir apparent to Capello."

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