STUART Pearce knows a thing or two about penalty shoot-outs. Football thrives on creating heroes and villains but in no other part of the game can one man go from being one to the other in such a short space of time.

In 1990, Pearce found himself cast as England's unfortunate fall-guy. Bobby Robson's side had come through a pulsating World Cup semi-final with Germany and, with the scores still locked at 1-1, penalty kicks would decide who progressed to the final.

Think back to that fateful day and it's hard to forget the pain and bewilderment that was etched on Pearce's face as his decisive spot-kick careered to safety off the legs of Bodo Ilgner.

Lesser men would have been broken by the experience and, in far lower-profile shoot-outs since then, players have plunged into spells of soul-searching from which they have never truly recovered.

Perhaps it is impossible to bounce back without the chance of redemption and, for Pearce, that opportunity was to come some six years later in an equally important game.

Euro 96 was supposed to end England's 30 years of hurt. It certainly looked that way when a Gazza-inspired 2-0 win over Scotland was followed by a spine-tingling 4-1 rout of Holland.

But then, suddenly, England looked like coming unstuck as their quarter-final clash with Spain limped inexorably towards more penalty drama.

Given everything that had happened in the past, Pearce could have been forgiven for making his excuses and leaving England's fate at other people's feet.

Instead, he sought to exorcise his demons in the most public of ways and, following his successful spot-kick, his emotional outpouring seemed to sum up the raw emotion that bonds the nation at such times of sporting success or failure.

"Fortunate is how I would describe it," reflected Pearce, adopting a calmness and clarity seemingly at odds with the ferocity and passion with which he played the game.

"It's a long old way from the centre circle to the penalty spot, I can tell you that.

"But the law of averages said I had to score sooner or later. I'd missed a penalty six years earlier so one was due to go in.

"The last thing on your mind as you walk up to take it is how you'll react, you're just focused on making sure you don't miss. But I suppose what happened afterwards was a big release of pressure.

"I was fortunate to play in two European Championships, but in Sweden in 1992 it was fairly low-key.

"By the time Euro 96 came round it was a massive event. Maybe it felt like that because the tournament was hosted in our own back yard and, without doubt, that increased the interest.

"The camaraderie within the squad is something which I'll always remember, but the moment which stands out for me was the Spain game.

"After the match I was in the depths of Wembley with David Seaman waiting to be interviewed, and the noise from outside was deafening. People refused to leave the stadium and go home, and 'Three Lions' was going round and round.

"What can I say - it was incredible. I have honestly never played football in such an amazing atmosphere."

That atmosphere was repeated for the semi-final against Germany but, after finishing on the right end of the penalty shoot-out with Spain, normal service was resumed against England's oldest foe.

Pearce continued his rehabilitation with another successful spot-kick, but this time it was Gareth Southgate's turn to experience football at its most fickle.

"It was a big, big game," said Pearce. "We had the luck against Spain, and maybe Germany got the luck on the night.

"But never take anything away from the Germans. Coming to Wembley and holding their nerve in a game like that deserves respect."

It is always more difficult to triumph on foreign soil, but that is exactly what England must do this summer if they are to finally taste European glory.

Pearce's playing days are now well behind him and, at the age of 42, he is lending his wealth of experience to Manchester City's coaching staff.

The coaching will cease for the next three weeks though, as he watches the current generation of England stars attempt to surpass what he achieved some eight years ago.

"I expect us to reach at least the semi-finals," said Pearce. "The squad is decent and well-balanced, and as long as the big players perform we can go far.

"There are four or five individuals in the squad who can win games.

"We're playing the French first and, in my experience, the opening game tends to be nervy.

"It was certainly like that against Switzerland in '96 and it might just work in our favour. If I had the choice, I'd be taking France first.

"They're the favourites, but I actually don't think they'll win it. And I can't see the Germans doing anything - history tells you otherwise but I'll stand by that."

Perhaps it is England's turn to ensure that both of those prophecies come true.