EXCLUSIVE: Boothroyd’s U21 time up as FA compile list of England contenders

Aidy Boothroyd TEAMtalk

The Football Association are compiling a list of possible replacements for England Under-21 manager Aidy Boothroyd, TEAMtalk understands.

Boothroyd has had a disappointing spell as boss of the Under-21s having been put in place by then FA chief Dan Ashworth, who has since moved onto Brighton.

The Young Lions are currently competing in the European Championships but have limped to defeats to Switzerland and Portugal. They managed just one shot on target over both games and that was a free-kick.

Boothroyd’s men must beat Croatia later on Wednesday by two goals or more and hope Portugal beat Switzerland to progress.

Even if somehow Boothroyd manages to steer them through to the next stage, we understand that this tournament will be his last in charge.  The FA’s new technical director John McDermott is looking to make changes.

Boothroyd is out of contract with the FA this summer.

England already have a number of names in the sights and have a strong list of potential successors of more than half-a-dozen.

We can reveal some of the names that are believed to be under consideration are Jody Morris, Steve Cooper, Jason Euell and Jack Lester.

Morris has been serving as number two to Frank Lampard, and was most recently at Chelsea and Derby. Earlier in his career he was a key part of the coaching staff in Chelsea’s academy and has a big reputation.

 

Aidy Boothroyd: Defeat hurts a lot

Aidy Boothroyd: Defeat hurts a lot

England U21 boss Aidy Boothroyd was deeply disappointed by his side's 2-0 defeat to Portugal which left their Euro U21 Championship hopes hanging by thread.

 

Lampard was linked, but we understand that Morris is the more likely target.

Cooper has a huge number of fans within the FA having led the Under-17s to World Cup success in 2017. He has since moved into club management successfully and is currently looking to take Swansea to the Premier League. So bringing him back into the system could be difficult.

One man in the system who also has a lot of fans within the corridors of power at the FA is Euell.


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Lester under consideration

The former Charlton, Wimbledon and Middlesbrough forward is currently England Under-20s coach and his moving up to the next level is being seriously considered.

Another name we understand being considered is Lester – the current head of Sheffield United’s youth academy.

Lester, 45, has been with the Blades since July 2019 after being with Nottingham Forest’s academy and also managing Chesterfield.

Lester has helped transform the club’s youth performance. His work has not gone unnoticed and he is now a candidate for England.

The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday reported that current England’s U17 coach Justin Cochrane was a contender for the job.

The report claimed Cochrane, 39, will almost certainly be interviewed for the post.

READ MORE: Boothroyd probed on prospect of TAA call-up