England U21 boss Aidy Boothroyd signs two-year extension ahead of European Championships

Aidy Boothroyd has penned a new deal to extend his stay as England U21 boss less than a month before he takes on the European Championships.

Boothroyd, appointed in February 2017, led the Young Lions to a European semi-final and won the Toulon Tournament last year.

Before defeat to Germany earlier this year, England U21s had not lost for almost two years. In fact, under Boothroyd’s management, the side have only lost three games, each of them against Germany.

The U21s kick-off their Euro 2019 campaign, held in Italy and San Marino, against France on June 18.

“I’m delighted to sign an extension to my contract," he said. "I thoroughly enjoy this role working with excellent players, a fantastic group of staff and in an elite environment at St. George’s Park along with the other national coaches.

“For me, it’s been especially rewarding to see so many players go up to the seniors from our development squads, whether making their debuts or establishing themselves in Gareth’s squad.

“This role is really about developing a group of players on and off the pitch that can help future England senior teams achieve success and I feel very privileged to continue doing so over the coming years.”

The new FA technical director Les Reed said: “We’re really pleased that Aidy will continue his excellent work in the England U21 set-up throughout the next Euro qualifying campaign and hopefully into the finals.

“Not only has he achieved successes on the pitch with the U21s but he has played a fundamental role in developing our group of young players, with many not only making the step up into the senior team but becoming regular members of the England squad.”