Pearce set to ask Hodgson about reclaiming Oxlade-Chamberlain for U21 duty

Stuart Pearce will ask Roy Hodgson if he will consider releasing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to give England’s Under-21s quest to reach Euro 2013 maximum assistance.

The Young Lions secured a place in next month’s play-offs by beating Azerbaijan 2-0 in Baku last week but they need a draw from Monday night's final game against Norway in Chesterfield to finish top of Group 8.

Should they clinch that point, England will not be paired with heavyweight nations France, Germany, Spain and Holland when the draw is made in Switzerland on Friday but, even still, there is potential for them to receive an awkward assignment against nations such as Serbia or Russia.

Wanted: Stuart Pearce would love Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain back

With that in mind, Pearce will hold discussions with Hodgson about who he will be able to include when naming his squad, as full internationals like Oxlade-Chamberlain, Kyle Walker, Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck are eligible for selection.

ENGLAND v Norway

Predicted (4-2-3-1): Steele; Kelly, Bennett, Caulker, Rose; Henderson, Lowe; Zaha, Shelvey, Ince; Sordell

Arsenal’s Oxlade-Chamberlain played a key role helping the Under-21s get this qualification campaign off to an impressive start but he has made rapid strides since then and starred in the 5-0 win over Moldova on Friday.

Given England face World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Poland on the same dates as the Under-21 play-offs, his services could be required elsewhere.

‘That call comes from Roy,’ said Pearce. ‘If somewhere down the line the England manager says he isn’t going to use this player or that player, and he could be of use to you, my conversation and relationship with Roy is going to be paramount.

‘Oxlade-Chamberlain is with the seniors, so too is (Jack) Butland. Kyle Walker can still play, so can Phil Jones and Danny Welbeck. When you go through the pool, you will see it is pretty good.

Hopes: Pearce (left) wants to steer England to the 2013 U21 Euros

‘But Roy giving the chance to Chamberlain to go and play, along with Welbeck and the others. If they play well, they stay in the seniors. That is how it works.’

Pearce has been without Butland for these games but that decision came after Pearce and Hodgson spoke about what would be more beneficial for the highly-rated Birmingham to gain an understanding of the senior set up.

‘We have spoken about Butland, his future and where we see him,’ said Pearce, who has described his fledgling relationship with Hodgson as being “very good”.

‘The closer I can work with Roy is going to be vital. It will not only be of benefit to the team, but also to the players.

Discussions: Jack Butland's (right) future has been talked about by Pearce and Roy Hodgson

‘Butland is a case in point. He has played a lot of football at international level but not much club football. I spoke to Roy about that a week ago. I told him I wanted to start Jason Steele against Azerbaijan. I had no intention of playing Jack in that game.

‘Between us we decided that he stayed with the seniors where his experience would be better suited. October might be completely different. The players here should have an expectation of getting into the senior squad.’

First, however, the squad’s expectations are to win Group 8. England have been almost foot perfect in qualifying, with six victories – including a 2-1 verdict over Norway in Drammen last October – from seven matches. The only defeat came in Mons against Belgium in November.

‘It’s vital that we top the group,’ said Pearce. ‘If that’s not the case, then we’ll assess the situation again. The powerhouses of Europe are looking as though they are going to finish top of their groups. So if you are going to be involved Pot B, you are going to have a tough game on your hands.