Nicky Butt could take over England under-21 side

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England’s under-21 side’s exit from the European Championships at the group stages was confirmed yesterday.

After losing two opening games against Switzerland and Portugal, it would have taken an unusual turnaround for England to make the knockout rounds.

And yet, for a brief period, the comeback was on. England were 2-0 up on Croatia, while results in the other game went in the Three Lions’ favour.

And then England conceded an injury time goal, and the 2-1 win was suddenly not enough to take Aidy Boothroyd’s team through.

Objectively, there is no way Boothroyd can hang onto his job now. His side also crashed out at the group stage in 2019. He is wasting a generation of top talent.

Former Manchester United head of first team development Nicky Butt is being lined up as a replacement for Boothroyd, The Times reports.

Butt left United in March after growing dissatisfied with the way United restructured the behind the scenes setup, with John Murtough becoming director of football, The Athletic reported.

Butt’s next move is unclear, he seems in no rush, yesterday he was playing golf with former United teammate Ryan Giggs.

The Times reports Butt has admirers at the FA for his work with Manchester United’s academy over the past nine years.

This could be the ideal job for him. Butt would get time, as opposed to a club role, where he could be axed within months.

The England under-21 role would give him two years, at least until the next tournament.

After the terrible job Aidy Boothroyd has done, the only way is up, and Butt could be lauded as a genius if he starts getting the team to play winning tournament football.

The work he has done with young players at United prepares him perfectly for this role.

There would be a number of young United players like James Garner, Shola Shoretire, Joe Hugill, Teden Mengi, who could all benefit if Butt takes the England under-21 role too.

While Boothroyd’s departure is yet to be officially confirmed, this could be one to watch.

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