Leroy Lita believes Stuart Pearce fits the bill for the full-time role as England Under-21 boss after getting them within sight of the European Championship semi-finals.

Lita has cited experience as an England player as one of the coach's strengths, and in the last week the Reading striker had a scaled down version of the penalty drama Pearce had during his career.

Pearce famously missed a spot-kick at the World Cup in 1990 before redeeming himself at Euro 96, while Lita missed for the Under-21s in their opener against Czech Republic before netting against Italy in the 2-2 draw on Thursday.

After missing an open goal against the Azzurri earlier in the game, his strike sparked wild celebrations which will be matched if England beat Serbia on Sunday to guarantee a place in the last four.

''We haven't done anything yet, we have got a big game on Sunday and we need to win that and then take it from there,'' said Lita.

A draw could be enough depending on Italy's result against the Czech Republic.

Lita added: ''One thing I've realised is that everyone wants to beat England, no matter what level. The Czechs got a draw and you could see the delight.''

Reaching the semi-finals would enhance the reputations of Pearce's youngsters as well as the coach himself, who lost his job at Manchester City the day after the Premier League season ended.

One job that will be available is the Under-21 role. Pearce is contracted until the of the tournament and will then sit down with Football Association officials to discuss the situation.

''We've always said we'll wait until the end of the tournament,'' said Sir Trevor Brooking, the FA's director of football development. ''I think he's organised them really well.''

Lita gave his backing for Pearce, adding: ''If he gets the job then that will be great for him and good for England as well.''

Seniors boss Steve McClaren has stated he would want a full-time Under-21 boss, with suggestions of an all-encompassing role to look at younger age groups.

''It's really down to the professional game members of our main board to agree the sort of contract that we can offer and that will be relevant to the quality of person that we could get,'' Brooking said.

''Generally speaking, all of us feel the post should be full-time and we'll be looking at it soon after the tournament.''

Despite an unbeaten record since 2005, Pearce has come in for Peter Taylor and not been afraid of changing the team.

From playing David Nugent in attack on his own, Pearce switched to a 4-4-2 against Italy, with Lita being the beneficiary after ''setting the training field alight'', in the words of his boss.

''Sometimes you just can't hold people back,'' Pearce added.

Lita now has four Under-21 goals in seven appearances. Although Nugent's work as a lone striker has limited Lita's starts, the Reading striker has waited patiently.

''I would never ever go to a manager and tell him to play me,'' he said. ''I work hard and do my bit on the pitch and it is up to the manager to see that.

''I've got a lot of respect for Stuart Pearce. Obviously on Monday I was disappointed and the first thing when you are disappointed is that you want to get back out there and put it right, and he put me in and I was really grateful for that.''

Lita had to be patient for his shot at the Premier League as well. After starting at Chelsea, it was at Bristol City where he caught the eye before helping Reading get into the top flight.

Steve Coppell, who guided Reading to a top-half finish, has been credited with getting the best out of Lita, who has attracted headlines for his life off the pitch.

Coppell, who bought Lita for just £1m, also managed one of the 22-year-old's heroes.

''Ian Wright is the reason I started playing football,'' Lita added. ''I've definitely got the same enthusiasm - I love football.''