The Football Association have announced that Gareth Southgate has been appointed as the new head coach of the England Under-21 national team.

Steve McLaren, Michael Appleton and former Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen had been linked to the position left vacant by Stuart Pearce, but the governing body have opted for Southgate.

"I'm delighted to get this role and extremely excited about the prospect of working with the best and brightest young players in the country," said Southgate.

"I'm a proud Englishman and playing for my country was the pinnacle of my playing career. Since retiring as a player I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience of the game both here and abroad, and I'm eager to play my part in preparing players to compete at the highest level."

Southgate has signed a three-year deal.