Stuart Pearce was today informed by the Football Association he will not be kept on as England Under-21s manager.

The former international full-back was appointed to the post in 2007 and led the Young Lions to four successive European Championship finals.

However, Pearce's side, which included Saints right-back Nathaniel Clyne, failed to get a point at this summer's tournament in Israel and will now leave the role when his contract expires at the end of the month.

It was a move many had expected, especially given England also failed to make it out of the group in 2011, and was taken following Club England Board discussions.

''I'd like to thank Stuart Pearce for his hard work,'' FA chairman David Bernstein said. ''Nobody can doubt his commitment to the job throughout his time as U21 coach.

''He has done extremely well in qualifying for finals tournaments, but after the disappointment of the past two tournaments, we believe it is time to change coach."

Talk of a replacement is already rife, with former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate standout favourite with the bookmakers.

Glenn Hoddle has also been linked with the role, although the outspoken former England manager said he would only accept if the current national set-up was overhauled.

Michael Appleton, who worked with senior manager Roy Hodgson and Dan Ashworth, the FA's director of elite development, at West Brom, has also been linked with the post, as has Phil Neville after joining Pearce's coaching staff in Israel.

With the future in mind, Bernstein added: ''It is important the organisation now considers the best approach for the role of Under-21 coach and how this works best within the overall England structure before making any new appointment.''