Pearce's Young Lions finished their disappointing European Championship campaign in Denmark this summer skippered by Jones, who the head coach had hoped would be able to continue in the role during the team's qualifiers for the 2013 tournament.

The 19-year-old was not available for the first of those last Thursday against Azerbaijan having received a call-up to the seniors from Capello, but the Italian then left Jones out of his matchday squad on Friday as England ran out 3-0 winners in Sofia.

Pearce feels it is important players get time on the pitch while on international duty, but says the Manchester United centre-back was close to earning his first senior cap and is happy to prepare for life without Jones at under-21 level.

"I think we have to maximise the potential of all English players," Pearce told Press Association Sport.

"I spoke with Fabio and the reason Phil was with the seniors wasn't cosmetic. He was very close to starting.

"At the end of every international break I look and say `how many young players were with the seniors and didn't play', and we have to make sure we maximise their football time.

"But I'm pleased for Phil being with the senior squad - he is an outstanding talent."

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson was named as captain for the Azerbaijan game, a thumping 6-0 victory at Vicarage Road.

The armband will be worn by someone else for tomorrow night's friendly against Israel at Oakwell after Henderson was allowed to return to his club to prepare for their clash with Stoke, and Pearce has declared it "up for grabs".

"We spoke in the summer and thought that if Phil Jones was here, he might be our captain," Pearce said.

"But if Phil is not here and is with the seniors more often than not, then it is up for grabs - it is really a case of me having to take a look.

"We had some good players still not available for this squad, so we'll see when everyone is here.

"The captain will be the one who steps forward and who I think is the right and proper one for the team."

Pearce viewed Henderson - who arrived at Anfield from Sunderland in June and played for the senior England team just under a year ago - as the "natural choice" to lead the Under-21s in last week's match.

"He is a very popular boy within the group," Pearce said.

"He has had a big-money move this summer and he has a senior cap, but he is so grounded.

"He is respected certainly by myself and also by the rest of the squad members, and was a natural choice for the captaincy on the night."

Chelsea midfielder Josh McEachran missed the win over the Azeri due to a hamstring problem and as a precaution has also gone back to his club, but Aston Villa's Nathan Baker - another absentee that night - is fit to take part against Israel.

Another player who could be involved having joined up with the group in Barnsley is Tottenham defender Adam Smith, who is currently on loan at MK Dons.

Meanwhile, Pearce is expected to be confirmed as Great Britain's 2012 Olympic coach later this month.

The former England defender would not be drawn on the matter today, but said: "The one thing I can say as a neutral in the situation is that it will be a very proud moment for whoever gets the opportunity to do it."