Wolves defender Richard Stearman has played himself into contention for a start in England’s European under-21 championship semi-final.

He started the final group game in Halstad against Germany at right-back, winning his fourth cap, and was denied a late winner in the 1-1 draw.

The 21-year-old was alongside former Wolves loan man Michael Mancienne as Stuart Pearce made 10 changes from the side that beat Spain, with the coach keeping his squad fresh for Friday’s semi-final.

Now Pearce believes he’s been given plenty of food for thought.

He said: “I’ve seen the ability shine through in the Stearmans and the Rodwells. They have really given me something to think about, but I knew that going into the game.”

Asked who is pushing for a semi-final place, Pearce added: “I was impressed with Stearman and Rodwell – I could go through name after name.

“There’s not player here I could say who I’m not sure about.”

Stearman hasn’t had a chance to impress in his main position of centre-back for England, with Micah Richards rested but Mancienne – back from suspension – selected alongside James Tomkins, while Nedum Onuoha was on the bench.

Pearce has now used all 23 players and believes he has the best squad in the tournament.

He said: “I wouldn’t swap my squad of players for any other nations’ in Europe. Winning the European Championship was the plan two years ago, and nothing has changed my mind now.

“We’ve knocked 50-odd teams out of this competition and there are only four of us left (after the final round of Group A games).”