England Under-21s have been joined by a new member of staff for the new Euro campaign, as Lee Carsley takes up a role as part-time specialist coach.
The former Everton and Derby County player will continue with his role as Birmingham City’s U23s coach and combine both positions as the Young Lions prepare to start their qualification for the next Euro Finals in Italy and San Marino in 2019.
Carsley had previously worked with England’s development teams and U21s boss Aidy Boothroyd when he was in charge of the U19s in 2015, before taking up a role at Manchester City's academy.
“It’s nice to come back into it, having been gone a year and having a great experience at Manchester City," said Carsley.
“Now having a chance to do a dual role with Birmingham City and England U21s is something I’m really grateful to both the club and The FA for.
“I know a lot of the players in the squad already and I’ve kept a keen eye on them, having previously worked with many of them when they were in the U19s.
“I was there for the Euro qualifiers and the Elite Rounds that season, so that was enjoyable and I was managing the first team at Brentford at the time, so it was busy.
“But it was a good experience and gave me a different perspective on elite players and international opposition.
“I’ve been straight into it and we’ve been doing a lot of preparation work on Holland and Latvia. It’s a big week for us so hopefully we can get the results."
Meanwhile, both Everton’s Mason Holgate and Crystal Palace’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek haven’t reported at St. George’s Park due to injury.
Fulham’s Sheyi Ojo, currently on loan from Liverpool, has been called into the squad as a replacement.
Boothroyd’s squad will be at the national football centre until Thursday when they head to Doetinchem for Friday’s opener against the Netherlands.
After that game, the Young Lions will be back on home turf as they host Latvia at AFC Bournemouth’s Vitality Stadium. Tickets for the game are on sale, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Click here to purchase tickets.
