England Under-21 boss Stuart Pearce has left the door open to coach Great Britain's Olympic football team but admits he is still developing as a manager following his summer in Sweden.

Pearce saw his ability questioned when he took his youngsters to the final of the European Championship, with their next qualification campaign starting on Friday in Macedonia then Greece four days later.

As his side crashed out to Germany in the Malmo showpiece, the 47-year-old had to restrain himself from striking an opposition player after a heavy challenge and also raised eyebrows with his language on the touchline.

"Over a three-week period I was lauded as Fabio Capello's heir apparent and after the tournament it was said 'this fella is incapable of running a team'," Pearce said. "That is normal I'm afraid.

"I always reflect on the team's performance and my performance. I always said I'll be a better manager after the tournament than I was before. That is definitely the case.

"I have the experience of another major tournament behind me and as a young coach you're always learning lessons."

Pearce readily accepts he is still developing as a coach but his potential has seen him suggested as a contender to take charge of the 2012 Olympic team, with Roy Hodgson also in the frame.

"Whatever opportunities are thrown to me in the future I've no idea," said Pearce, whose coaching talent has earned him a place in Capello's team.

"At the moment I enjoy the job and enjoy working with Fabio.

"The one thing is, I have an eye on where I want to go in my life and my coaching career and I'm far from the completed article at this moment in time."

Pearce is happy to patient for the time being, adding: "I want to go as high as I possibly can. I basically want to be a better manager and coach, (as good) as humanly possible.

"The only way you get that is through experience. Fabio spent 10 years at AC Milan's academy before he got cracking on with his career. That says it all to me. You have to get experience by picking teams and coaching players. That is what I'll endeavour to do."