Stoke City goalkeeper Jack Butland hopes England U21 coach Stuart Pearce stays on.

Pearce's contract expires at the end of the month and, despite the farce in Israel, Butland hopes he is given an extended stay.

"It says it all how we got here, the way we played, the structure and organisation we had," the Stoke goalkeeper said after yesterday's 1-0 defeat to Israel.

"There is no-one else to blame [but the players]. It is the same group of players - it us that have not performed.

"For a legend of the game like Stuart Pearce, it is difficult to apologise, but there is no-one else to blame but the players.

"We were on the pitch, I hope he stays in the job.

"He works extremely hard and does everything necessary to make sure we are successful and gives us all the right tools. I really do hope he stays."