Aidy Boothroyd set to take on England Under-21s position

Wednesday 28 Sep 2016
England Under-20s coach Aidy Boothroyd

Aidy Boothroyd will take charge of England Under-21s for their final two Euro Qualifiers next month, following the appointment of Gareth Southgate as interim senior team manager.

The Three Lions face a trip to Kazakhstan on Thursday 6 October before playing Bosnia & Herzegovina in Walsall on Tuesday 11 October.

And Boothroyd will be aiming to secure the U21s’ place at next summer’s Euro Finals in Poland, knowing that a point will be enough to see England finish top of their group.

England v Bosnia & Herzegovina

UEFA European U21 Championship
Group 9 Qualifier
3pm, Tuesday 11 October 2016
Banks's Stadium, Walsall FC
Click here for tickets

The former Watford and Coventry City boss was set to coach the U20s for their three games against Netherlands, Germany and USA at the same time, but they will now be led by Boothroyd’s assistant coach Paul Williams. 

Speaking about the switch, Boothroyd said: "Gareth and the players have done a terrific to put us in the position that we’re in, so I’m looking forward to the challenge of taking it on.

"That’s mixed with a disappointment of how it has all come about, but it’s about moving onwards and cracking on with the job, supporting Gareth and seeing if I can contribute towards getting the points that are required and then hand it back over, that’s the plan.

"We’re in a position, where the U21s are running a really smooth ship so I’ll keep it going in the same direction and work to finish the job off which has been done really well so far.

"It really is a case of keeping it nice and steady and guiding them over the line – that’s my role."

And Williams added: "It’s been great working with Aidy and the U20s this season, so to take on the team for these games over the next few months is a big honour and privilege for me.

"We have three good games coming up and I’m looking forward to working with the players again as we continue working towards the World Cup next summer."

Tickets for the U21s’ game with Bosnia at the Banks’s Stadium in Walsall cost just £1 and can be booked by clicking here or by calling 01922 651 416.

The U20s take on the Dutch at Oldham Athletic on Wednesday 5 October, Germany at Huddersfield Town on Friday 7 October and USA at Rochdale on Monday 10 October, with tickets costing just £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions via the hosting clubs. 

By Nicholas Veevers Content Manager - FA Owned Channels