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.
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