Peter Taylor will bring valuable experience to U20s squad according to Sir Trevor Brooking

Sir Trevor Brooking says Peter Taylor will bring valuable experience after being appointed as England U20s Head Coach for this summer's FIFA World Cup in Turkey. 

Taylor has previously been in charge of the England senior side when he managed them as caretaker for a friendly against Italy in 1997. It was also David Beckham's first game as Three Lions captain.

The former Southend United, Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur winger, who was capped four times for England, scoring twice, has also been in charge of the England Under-21s for two spells between 1996 and 1999 before returning 2004 to 2007.

Taylor, 60, will be assisted by Chris Ramsey, Tottenham Hotspur’s Senior Professional Phase Coach, who also previously led England U20s to the 1999 FIFA World Cup Finals in Nigeria.

“Peter is a hugely respected and influential coach and he will bring great experience with him to the tournament," said Sir Trevor, The FA's Director of Football Development.

"Both Peter and Chris are coaches we know well and the opportunity is something they are both keen to embrace.

“We have a very busy tournament calendar with the Under-21s in the European Finals, the U20s in the World Cup and our U19 and U17 groups looking to qualify for their own major finals this year.

"The U20 World Cup is a serious tournament that is highly regarded throughout the world. It is fair to say we haven’t had the success we would like and this time around we would like to take a strong squad and make a real impact.

"Players such as Michael Owen have previously represented us at this level and so we shouldn’t underestimate its importance.”

Brooking also says The FA will seek to recruit a former player within the coaching staff as they look to encourage more elite players along the coaching pathway.

“Our philosophy is to try and embrace former players and where individuals are showing a strong desire to begin their coaching careers it is apt that we’re able to offer them an early opportunity.

"It is something the players will enjoy, as they benefit from his great experience at the highest level.

"We hope this will lead to more English coaches being qualified from the elite of the game and they will serve as shining lights for encouraging others on to the pathway."

Taylor has signed a fixed-term contract to cover the duration of the tournament and preparations. His first task will be to join Club England Managing Director, Adrian Bevington, at the official draw for the Finals on 25 March.