Pearce has called for England's U21 coach to be full-time

Blackburn's Bentley withdrew late from the European Under-21 championships which begin in Holland on Sunday.

Pearce omitted Agbonlahor from the squad because he was unable to contact the Aston Villa striker.

"There is no doubt, in my eyes it's definitely a full-time job," Pearce told Radio Five Live's Sportsweek.

Interview: England U21 boss Stuart Pearce

Former Manchester City manager Pearce is in charge of the under-21s for the European Championships in Holland before the coach's position is reviewed.

If David himself said 'I want to go to this tournament' it wouldn't be a problem in Blackburn releasing him England U21 coach Stuart Pearce

England head coach Steve McClaren has called for a permanent boss for the under-21s, and Pearce claims the loss of two influential players from the England squad backs his claim.

Bentley's late withdrawal through claimed exhaustion, came after the deadline for replacing players ruled out through reasons other than injury.

606: DEBATE Do you agree with Pearce?

Pearce said: "Part of the job spec would be getting to the clubs, meeting the managers and forging tighter links with the players and managers, so the situation which has occurred this time doesn't reoccur."

The England U21 coach has refused to pin the blame on Blackburn for Bentley's withdrawal.

He said: "Players are totally responsible for their own destiny and I think that is the case this time.

"It probably suits the club that the player is rested and ready for next season. But if David himself said 'I want to go to this tournament' it wouldn't be a problem in Blackburn releasing him.

"I have another of their players here in Matt Derbyshire so it is not a blanket ban from the club."