England U21 coach Stuart Pearce has explained leaving Manchester City midfielder Jack Rodwell out of his Euros squad.

Rodwell has only just returned from long-term injury.

Pearce said: "I spoke with Jack three or four weeks ago when he was coming back before he'd played any of his recovery matches for the first team. I asked him how he was going and he said 'I'm available if you need me.'

"But we just felt we had a scenario where we've got Danny Rose and Tom Ince suspended for the opening game.

"Jack's been really stop-start with his injury this season and the last thing we want him to do is take him to a tournament and it gives up on him again.

"I think it was a wise call but a tough call because I know what Jack can do for us.

"He's been a big part of the Under-21s for the best part of four years."