Chris Powell to work under England boss Gareth Southgate

As part of the FA’s programme to solve the challenge of under-representation of BAME coaches, Powell will work under Southgate through to next summer’s European Championship

Former Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town manager Chris Powell will work under England boss Gareth Southgate this coming international season.

As part of the Football Association’s programme to solve the challenge of under-representation of BAME coaches, Powell – who won five caps as a left-back for England during his playing career – will work under Southgate through to next summer’s European Championship.

Former Birmingham defender Michael Johnson, who recently coached Guyana, will work with Under-21s boss Aidy Boothroyd, while Jason Euell, Marcus Bignot, Omer Riza and Matthew Thorpe will join other age-group sides.

“We’re pleased to be able to roll out the next phase of this scheme in partnership with the PFA (Professional Footballers Association),” FA technical director Les Reed said in a statement.

“We gathered some useful feedback from coaches who have worked with our men’s teams as part of this scheme over the past year and that has allowed us to further develop this programme to ensure it continues to be mutually beneficial to all parties.”

The initiative was rolled out in 2018 with the likes of retired England internationals Sol Campbell and Kieron Dyer working within the international system.

A pilot scheme for the women’s game has also been completed with the FA aiming to build on that programme moving forward.

PA