Gareth Southgate is favourite to become the next manager of the England under 21’s, after the FA revealed that they will not be offering Stuart Pearce a new contract.

The side recently came back from the European Championships in Brazil having taken no points from their three games following defeats to Italy, Norway and hosts Israel.

Pearce had been in the role for over six years, haven taken over from Peter Taylor, who incidentally was named coach of the under 20 side in March.

However, despite qualifying well for the last two tournaments, the former Manchester City manager ultimately failed in the finals, having also exited the 2011 Championships at the group stage.

Former Middlesbrough boss Southgate is the favourite to replace his former international teammate despite having not held a managerial position since being dismissed by the Teesside club back in 2009.

He was named the FA’s head of elite development in 2011, where he worked alongside Sir Trevor Brooking, staying in that position until July last year.

SkyBet offer the best price of 2.38 (11/8) for the former defender to be named in the role ahead of Michael Appleton, who has been out of work since his dismissal from Blackburn Rovers in March.

The 37 year old has also had brief spells in charge of Portsmouth and Blackpool, though it his coaching work at West Bromwich Albion, which culminated in him working as assistant to Roy Hodgson, which makes him a worthy contender for this position.

Appleton is available at a best price of 2.5 (6/4) with Paddy Power, with Peter Taylor a 7.0 (6/1) shot with Bet Victor.

There is then some distance to former England manager Glenn Hoddle, who can be backed at 26.0 (25/1), also with Bet Victor.

Paul Ince’s odds have plummeted after offering his resignation to Blackpool, where he has been manager since February.

The former Manchester United player still remains at Bloomfield Road at this time, but Sky Bet’s generous offer of 26.0 (25/1) is arguably worth considering.

Ince’s former teammate Phil Neville is a 34.0 (33/1) chance with Bet Victor, having worked briefly with the under 21’s while Pearce led the senior team for a single match last February, while his brother Gary, who is currently part of the coaching staff for the senior England side, is available at 41.0 (40/1) with the same firm.