Sol Campbell OUT of running for England Under-21 job to replace Aidy Boothroyd with FA going in different direction

SOL CAMPBELL is out of the running for the England Under-21 job.

The former defender, who won 73 caps for the Three Lions, is understood to have had an interview to succeed Aidy Boothroyd.

But the FA have decided to go in a different direction and ex-Southend and Macclesfield boss Campbell, 46, is no longer under consideration.

England can take their time over the appointment.

The Young Lions do not play a fixture until their Euro qualifier at home to Kosovo in September.

Justin Cochrane, the current head coach of England’s U17s side, remains the favourite for the role.

While Lee Carsley, who bosses the Three Lions Under-20s team, is also a contender along with Nicky Butt.

Boothroyd, 50, is vacating the position this summer when his contract expires after presiding over two successive Euro exits at the group stage.

His youngsters finished bottom of Group D in Slovenia and Hungary last month.

The former Watford boss took charge of the Young Lions five years ago when Gareth Southgate was promoted to the senior side, winning 31 of his 48 games.

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Boothroyd started his managerial career at Watford in 2005 before spells at Colchester, Coventry and Northampton.

He joined the England youth set-up in 2014 but is now looking to get back into club football.