Aidy Boothroyd has signed a two-year contract extension to continue as England Under-21 head coach until 2021.

Boothroyd, who was appointed head coach in February 2017, will lead the Young Lions at the UEFA European U21 Championship, which is being held in Italy and San Marino, next month.

During his time as head coach he has reached the semi-finals of the 2017 Euro finals, where England were knocked out on penalties by eventual winners Germany, and lifted the 2018 Maurice Ravello Toulon Tournament.

Lee Carsley will continue to work with the U21s assisting Boothroyd, having previously signed a deal that also runs to 2021.

Expand The Under-21s are heading to the Euro finals

Boothroyd said: “I’m delighted to sign an extension to my contract. 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.

Expand Harry Winks is one of a number of players who have worked their way from the youth teams into Gareth Southgate's senior 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.”

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.

“The pathway is really important to the success of the senior team and as we all work towards an England team being ready to win the World Cup in 2022, the work of Aidy and his staff is a crucial part of this.

“It’s an exciting summer ahead for the U21s with the Euros coming up and a very talented group of players all vying to make the squad, and on behalf of everyone at The FA I would like to wish Aidy, the players and staff all the very best for the tournament.”

Boothroyd will name his squad for the 2019 Euro finals, which England qualified for a record seventh consecutive time – a tournament record – on Monday [27 May].

England will kick off their campaign against France in Cesena on Tuesday 18 June before facing Romania (Cesena) on Friday 21 June and Croatia in San Marino on Monday 24 June.