Sol Campbell has emerged as a strong contender for the vacant England Under-21 role

EXCLUSIVE: Sol Campbell is a strong contender to be England Under-21’s next head coach, as the team look to move on without Aidy Boothroyd after poor European Championships

  • Aidy Boothroyd’s contract hasn’t been renewed after poor Euro Championships 
  • They were knocked out of their group after losses to Switzerland and Portugal 
  • Sol Campbell has emerged as a strong candidate to replace Boothroyd
  • Justin Cochrane and Liam Rosenior are also among the contenders 

Sol Campbell is emerging as a contender for the vacant England Under-21 head coach position.

The former England international has been asked to apply for the role, and it is understood the 46-year-old has now formally entered the process.

Leading figures at St George’s Park believe Campbell has all the necessary attributes to replace Aidy Boothroyd, whose contract will not be renewed following England’s disappointing campaign at the recent European Under-21 Championships.

Sol Campbell has managerial experience with Macclesfield Town and Southend United

He has completed the necessary coaching qualifications and his status as one of England’s best defenders of a generation during a distinguished club career with Arsenal and Tottenham means he will command the instant respect of players.

The former Southend and Macclesfield boss already has experience of working with the U21s, assisting Boothroyd in 2018.

The FA are committed to undertaking a thorough recruitment process for the vacancy and have started the process of compiling a shortlist ahead of interviews.

Aidy Boothroyd was the head coach of England Under-21s between 2016 and 2021

Aidy Boothroyd was the head coach of England Under-21s between 2016 and 2021

Whether Campbell emerges as the successful candidate remains to be seen, but the fact he was asked to apply for the role indicates he is likely to be a strong contender.

Campbell’s emergence as for the job comes amid a commitment from the FA to add greater diversity to their coaching staff across all levels within their technical set-up.

Indeed, Justin Cochrane, current head coach for England’s U17s, is also understood to be among the leading contenders for the job.

Ian Foster, the current U19s head coach, will also be considered, while Liam Rosenior, Steve Cooper, Mark Warburton and Paul Simpson are contenders.

Derby Assistant Manager Liam Rosenior is amongst a number of names in the running

Derby Assistant Manager Liam Rosenior is amongst a number of names in the running