August 23 – The future of English football at under-21 level and below has been placed in the hands of Gareth Southgate who is heading back to the Football Association in succession to Stuart Pearce, who left in June after a disappointing group stage exit at the European under-21 finals in Israel.
Southgate, former England defender who left the FA last year after a spell as head of elite development having previously managed Middlesbrough, has been appointed under-21 boss on a three-year contract.
“Since retiring as a player I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience of the game both here and abroad, and I’m eager to play my part in preparing players to compete at the highest level,” he said.
“Whenever any team steps onto the pitch for England, being successful is of huge importance, but it is also about developing a clear style of play that can allow our talented young players to flourish.”
Southgate, who made 57 appearances for England, will oversee the coaches with responsibility for the under-16s through to the under-20s. His debut will be the 2015 European Championship qualifier against Moldova on September 5.
Pearce, who was part of England’s old regime under Fabio Capello, struggled with getting the best players for the big tournaments – he was also in charge of Team GB’s disastrous (and outwardly miserable looking) Olympic campaign in 2012.
The FA also released long-standing women’s coach Hope Powell earlier this week. No replacement for Powell has been announced.
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