England ran out 5-0 winners in Colchester but Stuart Pearce felt there was room for improvement
Stuart Pearce felt the 5-0 scoreline flattered England's Under 21s following their victory over Iceland on Thursday night, but was pleased with the second-half performance.
Watford striker Marvin Sordell fired England ahead in Colchester but the game remained in the balance at 1-0 at the interval.
Liverpool defender Martin Kelly then doubled their lead before a late header from West Brom's Craig Dawson and a brace from Aston Villa youngster Gary Gardner made the final score more emphatic.
Pearce's squad are now five points clear at the top of Group 8, and will travel to Belgium ahead of Monday's clash looking to move a step closer to qualifying for the 2013 European Championship.
"I was disappointed at half-time, when I thought we were playing within ourselves a bit, but we were a lot better in the second half, and although it was a fantastic result, the final score flattered us a bit, but we did have a lot of chances," said Pearce.
"There were one or two fresh faces who came into the squad and they have done themselves no harm.
"We said that the role of the substitutes would be important, but we did not know how much.
"They are all just waiting for game time now, whether it is at their clubs in the reserves or on-loan, or with us at the Under-21s."
Working well
Many of Pearce's former charges are now involved with Fabio Capello's senior group, Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell and Chelsea forward Daniel Sturridge the latest to make the step up.
The former England skipper is proud to see the system working so well.
"Those guys, like Phil Jones and Kyle Walker, have gone through to the seniors on merit," said Pearce.
"They are playing well for their clubs and are great talents, they deserve their chance.
"I have to make sure I am always here and that if they are not playing for the seniors, they come and play Under-21s football.
"If they are good enough to stay there, then brilliant, I will be the first one pushing them on the England manager, but it is important we are always there to support these guys. That is my job."
Aston Villa forward Nathan Delfouneso was taken off with a tight hamstring after just 11 minutes, while Jason Lowe (hamstring) and Adam Smith (ankle) will also be assessed ahead of the trip to Belgium.
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