ROY HODGSON TO PICK MICHAEL APPLETON

ABOVE: Michael Appleton could be the next coach of England's Under-21s

Hodgson and Ashworth will be ­involved in picking the next Under-21 boss and with Appleton out of work following a troubled stint at Blackburn, he appears nailed on for the role

19th June 2013

By David Woods

MICHAEL APPLETON is the shock favourite to be the new England Under-21 boss – and be reunited with Roy Hodgson in the process.

Appleton, who has had three managerial jobs in the last 19 months, looks to have a great chance of succeeding Stuart Pearce, who was axed yesterday.

The 37-year-old worked for Three Lions boss Hodgson and FA director of elite development Dan Ashworth at West Brom as assistant manager.
And last month Hodgson invited Appleton to watch England train at St George’s Park before the friendly with the Republic of Ireland.
Hodgson and Ashworth will be ­involved in picking the next Under-21 boss and with Appleton out of work following a troubled stint at Blackburn, he appears nailed on for the role.
It was Hodgson who ­advised Appleton to take the Rovers opportunity, but the former Manchester United ­youngster was axed after just 15 games despite an FA Cup win at Arsenal.
Appleton is keen to get back into management, ­having also had stints at Portsmouth and Blackpool.
Gareth Southgate, Peter Taylor and Glenn Hoddle are also seen as possibles, but ex-England boss Hoddle won’t take the position unless the top young players were always available for selection.
Pearce was told yesterday his contract was not being renewed. It was hardly unexpected after a poor showing at this month’s European Championship in Israel, in which England lost all three group games for the first time ever.