QPR boss Mark Warburton has dismissed reports linking him with the England Under-21 manager’s job.
Warburton has been linked with the role along with the likes of former Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.
It comes amid speculation over the future of Aidy Boothroyd as Under-21s boss.
Boothroyd, who worked with Warburton at Watford, is under pressure after his team were knocked out in the group stage of the Under-21 European Championship.
But Warburton is focused on his job at QPR and seemingly taking no notice of reports he is a contender to replace Boothroyd.
Warburton told West London Sport: “I think I’m one of 27 people linked with the job.
“It’s always flattering to be linked. But I’m QPR manager, one of 27-30 names linked to the job, and I wish Aidy the very best.
“Aidy is someone I know very well. He was manager at Watford when I came in to the academy. He promoted me to academy director.”
Warburton believes Boothroyd is right to argue that his remit is to produce players for Gareth Southgate’s senior England side rather than win Under-21 trophies.
“That is a very tough job. I saw his comments and he’s exactly right,” Warburton said.
“It’s about getting players into the England senior team to help produce a winning team at the highest possible level.
“The job has to be about the performance of the senior team. It’s about the pyramid to get players to the top level.
“It must be about preparing players to perform for Gareth at the highest level. How many players go through should always be the judgement.
“Of course you want to win (Under-21) trophies and do well. But the priority must be to get players to Gareth to perform for the team.
“Look at the players, like Mason Mount, you now have performing for England. You see Phil Foden and others.
“The team are producing players and there are many more behind them as well.”
