England U21 boss Stuart Pearce has scoffed at claims of a rift with Arsenal star Theo Walcott after axing him for their victory over Spain last week.

"It's a nuisance again," he told Sky Sports News. "But it's what you expect at major tournaments when things are going well, people try to stoke up silly stories.

"Theo is a very professional man, so am I, I have to cater for 23 player in this squad, which I have done, and they know where they stand with me and they know there is an even playing field for when they are in and out of the team.

"There have been no problems with me and Theo. I have to work with Theo for hopefully the next 15 years so I have got to make it my business for me to get on with my players."