England U21 coach Stuart Pearce is delighted with the way local fans are taking to the nation's youth teams.

After Thursday's match in Colchester, Pearce's squad will travel to Mons in Belgium as they look to stay on the road towards Israel 2013 boosted by another positive display.

"We have sold this stadium out three weeks ago, and our under-19s are playing in front of a full house at Brighton, so that just goes to show the interest and we are proud of that," former Manchester City boss Pearce said.

"It also gives us a chance to have a full house behind us, to give us an edge to try to win the game."