Having left Liverpool in the summer after 12 years, former U21s head coach Barry Lewtas has now taken up a new role as part of the England setup.
Lewtas departed the club at the end of last season having served as U21s head coach for five years, previously holding roles in the lower age groups.
The 44-year-old explained upon his exit in June that “the time is right for a new adventure,” and his next role has now been confirmed.
He will act as head coach of England U16s, initially on an interim basis through December, while also serving as one of Ben Futcher’s assistants with the England U20s.
A number of Liverpool players could be part of his U16s squad, including the likes of Erik Farkas, Josh Abe, Vincent Joseph and Shadrach Ekiugbo.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, August 4, 2025: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Trey Nyoni and James McConnell were both among the latest U20s call-ups, while Amara Nallo and Callum Scanlon have recent experience too.
It remains to be seen if Lewtas’ work within the England youth setup will then continue beyond this year, though he could feasibly have his sights set on senior management.
That was the case with his predecessors in the U21s job at Liverpool, with both Michael Beale and Neil Critchley moving into first-team positions.
ROME, ITALY - JUNE 19: In this handout picture provided by UEFA , Rob Page, Interim Head Coach of Wales speaks to the media during the Wales Press Conference ahead of the UEFA Euro 2020 Group A match between Italy and Wales at Olimpico Stadium on June 19, 2021 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by UEFA)
Lewtas has been replaced by former Wales manager Rob Page, who will lead the young Reds into their first league game of the season against Leicester on Monday night.
There have been more changes in the academy staff at the AXA Training Centre too, with the departure of U18s head coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson to be replaced by former Man United youth coach Simon Wiles.
Wiles will be assisted by Anthony Ryan, who has been promoted from his previous position as U15s head coach. The U18s kick off their campaign against Stoke on Saturday.