Holland U21s v England U21s
International Friendly
Tuesday 14 November 2006
AZ Alkmaar FC

Sammy Lee will take temporary charge of England's Under-21s team for the forthcoming friendly against Holland.

Under-21s coach Peter Taylor is unavailable for the match in Alkmaar on 14 November due to club commitments.

Taylor said: "I love working with the Under-21 team and I'm very proud of our achievement in qualifying for next summer's European Championship. However, my first priority must be Crystal Palace and at this time I must commit all my time to the club.

"I hope to be available again for the Under-21s next match in February and for the Championships but in the mean time Sammy is the perfect man to coach the team."

Sammy Lee spent five years working with the England senior team and also has extensive experience of working with the England youth teams during his time as a National Coach at The FA. He is Assistant Manager at Bolton Wanderers.

Lee said: "It's a privilege to be able to step in and take over for this match - it's great to know I was Peter's choice. Although it's for one game only it's a pleasure to be helping him out and I'm looking forward to getting involved."

Sir Trevor Brooking, The FA's Director of Football Development, said: "We fully understand Peter's position. He's done a great job with Under-21's but it is understandable that he wants to give his full attention to Crystal Palace at this moment in time.

"Crystal Palace have been very supportive of Peter's role with England, and hopefully Peter will be back with the Under-21's for the February fixture and next summer's European championships."