O'Driscoll will report into England Under-21s head coach Gareth Southgate and The FA’s Director of Elite Development Dan Ashworth, after taking up the role with immediate effect.

The U19s squad fly out to Dusseldorf on Sunday, where they will face recently crowned European Champions Germany on Monday evening.

John Peacock will be in charge for that game, with O’Driscoll assisting before taking over for the European Championship First Qualifying Round games in Luxembourg next month.

O'Driscoll will join the squad for their game in Germany next week

Speaking about his appointment, O'Driscoll said: "I am excited by the approach now being undertaken and the ongoing work to put in place a strong England culture and identity in which both players and coaches can learn, develop and be successful.

"Britain’s most successful sports are those that have invested the time and effort into creating cultures of excellence and supportive yet challenging environments, where success is a result of everybody working towards the same vision.

"The vision is to produce intelligent, committed England teams that entertain, play without fear and are brave with the ball, all with the continuing aim of achieving sustained international success.

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute at this pivotal time for English football."

Southgate added: "We are delighted with Sean’s appointment, as we think he is somebody whose values and philosophy match what we are trying to embed.

"He’s got great experience in youth development and in the senior game. His teams have always reflected a style of play which is something we would like to implement and he’s a developer of players.

"I think the role will really suit him and he is joining us at a time when his ideas will have the chance to impact on, not just the age group he will be working with, but the group of national coaches.

"It’s an exciting opportunity and we are really looking forward to working with him."

The 57-year-old joins The FA after starting his coaching career at AFC Bournemouth in 2000. After spending six years with the south coast club, he took over at Doncaster Rovers where he led the Yorkshire side to promotion to the Championship in 2008 before having management spells at Crawley Town, Nottingham Forest and most recently Bristol City in 2013.

As a player, Wolverhampton-born O'Driscoll played for Fulham and made over 400 appearances for Bournemouth and represented the Republic of Ireland three times at international level.