Campbell begins Under-21 coaching as Spurs youngster withdraws with injury

Former Tottenham and Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has begun his spell with the Three Lions under-21s’ backroom staff.

The Newham-born 44-year-old, who won 73 England caps, has joined Aidy Boothroyd’s coaching staff for the friendlies in Italy and Denmark.

Campbell’s involvement, initially for one camp, was announced last month and he will help train the squad and travel with them to the friendlies while he could still join the Young Lions for Euro 2019 in June if it goes well.

It is part of the FA’s inclusion plan to develop more BAME coaches and former Wolves and Ipswich assistant manager Terry Connor joined the squad for games against Andorra and Scotland in October.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka is out of the squad along with Tottenham’s Josh Onomah.

Wan-Bissaka is missing with a shoulder injury while Onomah, on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, has a knee injury.

Boss Boothroyd said: “We’re disappointed to lose the boys who have come in and done really well. It was a difficult squad to pick in the first place but it gives someone else an opportunity.

“We’ll assess it and maybe bring another in but if not we have enough. November is always the time of year when pitches change, there are a lot of games so you expect a few bumps and bruises.

“Providing everyone is fit for June, we’ll be in a good place.”