The Football Association confirmed Holland’s role today, but he will remain with Chelsea as one of Antonio Conte’s assistant coaches until the end of the current campaign, apart from for two England fixtures in March when he will join up with Gareth Southgate and the Three Lions squad. He will not be replaced at Chelsea.

Holland said: ‘It is the ultimate honour to be asked to work with your national team into a World Cup campaign.

‘My immediate focus is on continuing to support Antonio and the Chelsea team, and doing everything possible to finish the season with success.

‘The summer will be the time to look forward to an exciting future with Gareth and England and to reflect on the best eight years of my life at Chelsea. For now the next game is Bournemouth.’

Southgate and Holland previously worked together at international level for the Under-21s. Following the departure of Sam Allardyce in September, the pair stepped up to take charge of the senior team initially on an interim basis and they will now continue that work with the first goal qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Holland was originally appointed as Chelsea’s reserve team manager in August 2009, enjoying success at that level when we became national champions in 2011. He was promoted to assistant first team coach, initially under Andre Villas-Boas, and he has continued in that position since, helping the club achieve glory on domestic and European fronts.