England's victory over Finland in their U21 Euros opener was all about courage rather than quality, admits coach Stuart Pearce.

Manchester City defender Micah Richards grabbed the winner for Pearce's youngsters, who had Chelsea's Michael Mancienne sent off for a professional foul after Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole had given them the lead.

"We've showed courage," he said. "We're oozing courage, oozing commitment and oozing character - that's what we have got."

But when asked if that display was good enough to challenge, the former England captain replied: "A million miles away from it.

"They know it. They're genuine, they're honest - that's why they've turned around a situation, down to 10 men, and gone and won it.

"They're oozing character - they've shown that many, many times before to me. That's what we've got in abundance.

"What we need to show is more ability. That performance, for this standard of team, wasn't good enough. They know it before I even tell them.

"We have to improve on that. I've got three points, I'm pleased. I'm delighted with the points. We need to get better than that and we are better than that."