London, Aug 23 (IANS): Former Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate has been named England Under-21 head coach on a three-year contract.
The ex-England defender replaces Stuart Pearce, who left in June following a disappointing European Championship, the BBC reported Thursday.
Southgate was previously the Football Association head of elite development, leaving the post in July 2012.
"I'm extremely excited about the prospect of working with the best and brightest young players in the country," the 42-year-old said.
Southgate made 57 appearances for England during a career in which he played for Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Middlesbrough.