The Football Association have said they will not consider sacking England U21 coach following his side's exit from the European Championship at the group stage.

The elimination was disappointing for England on several levels, not least because they were on course for Wednesday's semi-finals as they led the Czech Republic heading into the 89th minute of Sunday's final Group B game.

But an equaliser, followed by a winning goal that added gloss but was unnecessary, ensured they would not match their achievements of the last two tournaments - when they reached the semi-finals in 2007 and final in 2009.

They remain the only team to have qualified for the last three tournament finals, but the nature of their exit - combined with constant national clamour to win a major trophy - has led to some calls for Pearce to be replaced.

The FA had offered Pearce a two-year contract which will run until the end of the 2013 finals in Israel, should England qualify for a fourth successive time.

He would also likely oversee the Great Britain team in next years Olympic Games in London, a side which is expected to consist mostly of England players given the reluctance of the Welsh, Scottish and Northern Irish football associations to provide players.

The contract is unsigned, but the FA have ruled out withdrawing the offer: meaning the only way Pearce would not be in charge until 2013 would be if he opted to leave the role.