Sammy Lee leaves role as England assistant manager

The news come a week after Gareth Southgate was confirmed as full England manager after his successul interim spell.

"I should like to place on record my sincere thanks to the FA for the opportunity they gave me to work with the national team. It has been a great honour," Lee said.

"I should also like to thank the players and staff for their support during this period of my career and wish them all the very best for the future. In particular I wish Gareth and his new coaching team every success in the future."

Southgate, who was keen to bring in his own backroom staff instead of the existing personnel, but thanked Lee for his contribution to the national team.

"I have great respect for Sammy,” said Southgate. “He is somebody who I worked with as a player and his personality and professionalism were excellent throughout my period as interim manager.

"I felt it was important for me to bring in my own support team and Sammy fully respected that.

"I was grateful with the way he helped to steady the ship throughout October and November and we wish him well for the future."