Pearce got the reaction he wanted after leaving out Walcott for the European Championship group match against pre-tournament favourites Spain at Gothenburg's Gamla Ullevi .

He was delighted to see the Gunners winger come off the bench and set up a goal for Aston Villa's James Milner in a 2-0 win which sealed a place in the semi-finals.

Seniors manager Fabio Capello then spoke on the phone to Pearce to congratulate him on reaching the last four and what proved to be a bold decision on leaving out Walcott.

"I said before we left that Theo would be treated the same as the other 22 in the squad," Pearce said. "What I do ask for is a reaction if they do get left out.

"You saw what he was about as a man and a player. He reacted the way I thought he would.

"I've only ever treated everyone equally. People get in and out of the team on merit and that has happened this time.

"I didn't speak to him before, the team went on the board and Theo took it like any member of the staff would take it. He was disappointed but when he came on he put a performance on, going forward and helping by tracking back.

"It was difficult for him maybe to understand how he has played for the seniors and did not start here but the only way to answer a manager and his team selection is to put in a performance, both attacking and defending. Credit to him but I expected no less from him."