ENGLAND under-21s coach Stuart Pearce got the response he wanted after dropping Theo Walcott then watching the Arsenal winger come off the bench to help seal a place in the European Championship semi- finals.

Walcott was dropped at Gothenburg’s Gamla Ullevi but came on after an hour and set up James Milner’s goal in the 2-0 win against the highly-rated Spanish.

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."

Pearce admitted Walcott was disappointed when he named the team and got the news that his quiet 45 minutes in the win over Finland was not good enough for him to keep his place.

Adam Johnson was picked ahead of him and Pearce’s message was that Walcott would not get special treatment because he is established in Capello’s squad.

"I’ve only ever treated everyone equally," Pearce said. "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."

England went into the break goalless after Milner had a first-half penalty saved.

Walcott came on after 62 minutes and Fraizer Campbell opened the scoring shortly after, with Milner sealing the victory by thumping home Walcott’s cross.