England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce has insisted that Callum McManaman is fully deserving of his place in the squad for this summer's European Championship in Israel.

The winger has earned a number of plaudits for his performances for Wigan Athletic, particularly since the turn of year.

Having watched the 22-year-old in regular action of late, Pearce believes that despite having no experience at that level of football, McManaman will be able to cope.

"I've made it my business over the last six weeks to have a real good look at Callum," Pearce told the FA's official website. "I think he's finding his confidence now, he's been nurtured very well by Wigan.

"He's played so well and the culmination of that was a fantastic game in the FA Cup final. That will give his self-esteem the world of good."

McManaman was part of the England Under-20 squad that competed at the 2011 World Cup in Colombia.