The FA can also announce the appointment of Brian Eastick as a National Coach. He will work with the various England youth teams and on The FA’s coach education and development programme.

Sir Trevor Brooking, The FA’s Director of Football Development, said: “I am delighted that Ray and Brian will be joining our team of coaches and helping to continue the good work taking place to develop young England players.

"Both of them bring a wealth of experience to the job. Ray was a top class player and a captain throughout his career. He has proved to be an excellent coach at many clubs. I am sure he will provide fantastic support to Peter Taylor with the Under-21s.

"Brian has worked with some of the best managers in the game and has a fantastic record of coaching young players. He will have a vital role working with all the England youth teams and will also play a key part in progressing the FA's programme of educating and developing coaches.”

Wilkins is one of England’s most-capped international players. He represented England 84 times between 1976 and 1986 and wore the captain’s armband on ten occasions.

After a distinguished playing career, he managed Queens Park Rangers for two year, worked on the coaching staff at Chelsea, and has been assistant manager at Watford and Millwall.

He said: “It’s an absolute privilege for me to be involved with the England Under-21s.

“I’ve had experience with them once before with Dave Sexton and I enjoyed it very much.”

Brian Eastick joins The FA having most recently worked as academy director and head coach under Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle United, and for seven years as academy director at Birmingham City. He replaces John McDermott, who left The FA during the summer to become Academy Director at Tottenham Hotspur.

Eastick holds the UEFA Pro Licence and has coached at QPR, Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, Charlton Athletic, Leyton Orient, Coventry City, Crewe Alexandra and Sheffield United in a 30-year coaching career. He also worked part-time at The FA National School at Lilleshall from 1988 to 1995 and assisted Bryan Hamilton with the Northern Ireland national team from 1995 to 1998.

As a player, Eastick was selected for the England Under-18s while a young professional at Crystal Palace.

Eastick said: “I am absolutely delighted to be offered this position and very much look forward to joining the development department at The FA.

“There is a huge amount of expertise within the department and I am excited about the opportunity to work with the staff there.”