Stuart Pearce feels he has been let down by David Bentley after the midfielder's surprise withdrawal from England squad for the European Under-21 Championships.

The Blackburn starlet has left manager Pearce a man short for the tournament in Holland after pulling out due to "fatigue".

"I don't agree with it. I told him last night I don't agree with it in any way, shape or form," Pearce said.

"I feel as though I've been supportive to him. He wasn't in the under-21 side for whatever reason when I took over the job.

"I put him in, I thought he was arguably one of our best players in the two matches we had him.

"With that in mind, I rang Steve McClaren and said what I've got to report is I think this kid's doing quite well. Keep an eye on him'."

"I had an inkling on Wednesday when Blackburn boss Mark Hughes talked to me and mentioned that he'd like to pull the boy out. I said no.

"I spoke with David last night. He said to me on the back of a long season, and possible burn-out next season, that he'd like to pull himself out of the tournament."