Next England Under-21 manager: Who are the contenders to replace Aidy Boothroyd?

A number of high-profile candidates have been linked with the role

Sports Staff
Friday 16 April 2021 11:33 BST
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England are looking for a new England Under-21s manager after it was confirmed Aidy Boothroyd would be stepping down from the position.

Boothroyd’s future had been in doubt ever since the Young Lions’ disappointing early exit from Euro 2021 with his contract due to expire in the summer.

He guided the side to three European Championships - reaching the semi-finals in 2017 - after succeeding Gareth Southgate in 2016.

“It’s been the greatest privilege to represent the FA and lead England teams into high-profile tournaments,” he said upon the announcement.

“While we didn’t finish in the way we wanted, I’m very proud to have been able to work so closely with players who I know will go on to have remarkable international careers and to have experienced some very special moments with them over the years.

“I’d like to thank my staff and all of the incredible support team that have done so much to help us remain competitive against other elite nations.

“In every single get-together they embraced our unique challenge of rightly prioritising the needs of the senior team while ensuring we gave our all to try and get a positive performance and result.”

England Under-17s coach Justin Cochrane is the early favourite with former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard also in the frame. Ex-Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe’s name has also been thrown into the mix while the likes of Paul Simpson, of Bristol City, and Steve Cooper, of Swansea, both have pedigree with the Young Lions.

Here are the top contenders:

Justin Cochrane 4/9

Frank Lampard 4/1

Eddie Howe 8/1

Chris Wilder 10/1

Gary Neville 12/1

Phil Neville 12/1

Ian Foster 14/1

Danny Cowley 14/1

John Terry 14/1

Michael Carrick 16/1

Nicky Butt 18/1

Lee Bowyer 20/1

Scott Parker 20/1

Paul Scholes 25/1

Jamie Carragher 33/1

Wayne Rooney 33/1

Sol Campbell 33/1

Joey Barton 40/1

Michael Owen 40/1

David Beckham 50/1

Alan Shearer 50/1

Dean Smith 50/1

All odds via Betfair

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