Friday 2 December 2016 11:46, UK
Sky Sports News HQ understands that Aidy Boothroyd remains in prime position to become England U21s coach on a permanent basis, replacing Gareth Southgate.
Boothroyd's successful time as interim coach, and his excellent working relationship with the FA's technical director Dan Ashworth, mean he is the odds-on favourite to lead the Young Lions into next summer's European Championship finals where they will face hosts Poland, holders Sweden and Slovakia.
The 45-year-old former Watford and Coventry boss worked with Ashworth at West Brom's academy before joining the FA in 2014 and he has since worked with England U19s, U20s and U21s.
Southgate's appointment as permanent manager of the senior team means the FA can look to advertise and shortlist the U21 role as soon as possible.
As shown by Southgate's rise within the FA ranks, Ashworth's DNA blueprint for the future of England football encourages internal promotion for coaches and mirrors similar policies in Germany and Spain.
Meanwhile, negotiations are continuing over the future of Chelsea first-team coach Steve Holland.
Southgate was unable to announce his backroom staff at Thursday's media conference while talks continue with the Blues.
It is expected that Holland will continue his dual FA/Chelsea role until the summer when he will join Southgate's team full time.
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