Club coaches to join England Under-21s set-up next month

England Under-21s will welcome coaches and managers from all of the players’ clubs next month as they prepare for their game with Wales.

Head coach Gareth Southgate and his staff will meet with Under-21 development coaches and academy managers at St. George’s Park during the build-up to the Euro qualifier at Derby County’s iPro Stadium.

And Director of Football Development Sir Trevor Brooking says the process is an important one in building a solid basis in the relationship between clubs and The FA.

“With the game being played so close to St. George’s Park, we’ve invited the various clubs’ Under-21 development coaches along to visit and see how Gareth and his staff work with the players,” said Brooking.

“We also want to explain to them what we’re trying to do with the playing philosophy and how we want to work with the clubs regarding their players.

“Gareth will tell them what his team is ahead of the match and how he wants them to work before the short trip over to Derby for the match."

Southgate’s squad have had a good start to their Euro qualifying campaign and go into the match on Wednesday 5 March sitting at the top of their group in their quest to reach the 2015 finals in Czech Republic.

And with just two games, both against Wales, remaining this season Brooking wants to ensure Southgate is given as much help as possible from the clubs.

Southgate and his assistant Steve Holland in training with England U21s

"It helps The FA build a closer working relationship with all the clubs, who understand what we’re trying to do and the sort of players that we’re looking for and who is doing well,” he added.

"In the last couple of years, particularly at Category Level 1, 2 and 3 in the EPPP [Elite Player Performance Plan], clubs have had to form their own club player philosophies.

"So it’s important for all of us to know what we’re trying to do, which is be more technical and move the ball through the three thirds, but it can always vary from club to club in their development teams and shape or style of play.

"We did a similar thing with the U17s ahead of their first game with Belgium at St. George’s Park recently, when John Peacock showed the club coaches the shape of his team and what he was looking for from the players."

You can still buy tickets for the game with Wales at Derby, priced at just £10 for Adults and £5 for U18s.

These can be purchased in person from the Digonex Ticket Office, by calling 0871 472 1884 (option 1) or by visiting WeAreDerby.com.