The 18-year-old has impressed in several appearances for the Gunners since the turn of the year with many fans clamouring for a senior inclusion but the Southampton academy graduate will instead play for the under-21's against Belgium.
When asked if Oxlade-Chamberlain could feature at Euro 2012, Pearce stated: “100 per cent, yes, without a doubt.
“I think he would suffer by not playing 90 minutes against Belgium on Wednesday.
“It would be better the Under-21s winning a game, possibly qualifying for the Euros in two years’ time. That’s where my eye has got to be with the experience of these young players."
Pearce hinted that the youngster may not have started if selected for the senior squad and insisted he still holds the under-21s in high regard.
Pearce is expected to resume his role as manager of the youth set-up when a permanent senior coach is appointed.
He continued: “I could have brought him in, played him ten minutes and there would have been a scrum from the media. He’d bypassed the under-21s, shouldn’t ever play for the under-21s again.
“If we keep doing that then we will never win at that age group and galvanise a winning formula at the younger age group.
“One or two of these younger players who can play in the under-21s and seniors, there might be an indication they’ve been picked in those squads because they might get game time.”
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