England U21 boss Stuart Pearce says Manchester City defender Micah Richards will be the Three Lions' long-term centre-half.

Pearce said: "Micah's eventual position will definitely be in central defence. It's his best position. He's going to be a real quality international.

"Steve McClaren should have no worries about throwing him into the firing line. He's played Micah there before and Micah won't have a problem in the middle or wherever Steve wants to play him.

"He's so talented that he has the ability to adapt."