The way I was brought up by my parents and guided through my football life by the influences of various managers means that in some ways I am black and white.

His last appearance for England was in a goalless draw in Poland on 8 September 1999 in the Euro 2000 qualifiers. However in a brief statement through the FA – which has a strong anti-racism stance – Pearce said: "My brother's views are his own and do not in any way reflect mine. Pearce developed the reputation as being unusually fair and honest by refusing to criticise referees for mistakes they may have made.

As of 2012 he is manager of the England national under-21 team and most recently been made manager of the Great Britain Olympic football team. He retired as a player in 2002 while at Manchester City.