The FA has announced Stuart Pearce has signed a new two year contract as head coach of the England Under-21 team.

Pearce, 49, joined The FA in 2007 and has led the Under-21s to an unprecedented three successive European Championship Finals, including a final appearance in 2009 and semi-final in 2007.

A former England international with 78 caps to his name, Pearce also works alongside the England manager Fabio Capello, as a member of his coaching staff, and will continue in this role including the UEFA European Championship in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

Under Pearce’s tutelage the likes of Joe Hart, James Milner, Ashley Young, Adam Johnson and Theo Walcott have all progressed to the England senior ranks.

FA Chairman David Bernstein said: “Continuity is vital as we continue to build our club ethos, and Stuart is an important member of the England coaching structure.

“I know he was as disappointed as anyone at the Under-21s most recent tournament results at the European Championships in Denmark, but we mustn’t forget the team had an excellent qualifying campaign and continues to produce young players ready and prepared for senior team experience.”

Pearce said: “I am delighted to have signed my new contract and to be able to continue in a role I very much enjoy.

“In my time with the England Under-21s we have experienced an excellent record and my aim now is to qualify for Israel in 2013 and hopefully go on to secure silverware with another exciting group of young players.

“It remains a privilege for me to represent my country and contribute to The FA’s work at international level, but also at grassroots level and significantly into the St George’s Park development and to the future of coach education in England.”

- The Under-21s will begin their qualifying campaign at home to Azerbaijan in September, before the team embark on two away trips to Iceland and Norway a month later.