England U-21 coach Stuart Pearce has defended his touchline antics during the European Championship final loss to Germany.

Pearce was an animated presence as his side collapsed to a four-goal reverse with Uefa president Michel Platini among those said to have been left unimpressed.

There have even been claims that Pearce might have caused damage to England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

However, while Pearce admits he may have been slightly "over zealous", he condemned the double standards being used to judge him.

"You can't win," he said.

"It's quite comical really. When it suited, Sven-Goran Eriksson was so calm and relaxed on the touchline. At the time people said it was fantastic.

"Two years later, the same people said he lacked passion.

"Possibly I could have been criticised for being a bit over zealous on the touchline but I will learn from that.

"If some people say I need to calm down my attitude then the only thing I would say is that I am very passionate about England winning."

The criticism provided an unhappy postscript what had largely been an impressive tournament until Monday's final, Pearce rewarded with a two-year contract which will see him continue his work with the under-21s to the next European Championships in Denmark.

But, while he would willingly apologise if his behaviour is deemed by his Soho Square paymasters to have been unacceptable, Pearce is adamant he will not tone down the desire he has for the Three Lions to win.

"It is a big drive for me to be successful with my country," said Pearce, who was speaking at an event organised by England sponsors Nationwide.

"I will do everything I possibly can to make sure we win but if people think I was out of order, I will apologise.

"Anyone is up for criticism. The German team were celebrating by having a water fight five minutes before the end of the match.

"If I had done that with my coaches, I would have been criticised.

"I am in the glare of the media the whole time and if people say I have to calm down on the touchline I will do. If they don't say anything I won't.

"The one thing that underlines everything is that I am desperate for the team to do well and I want to motivate them."