Former Portsmouth skipper and ex-West Brom and Bradford City man handed key England role
The former central defender made 66 appearances and scored twice for the Blues
A former Pompey skipper has been handed England recognition after his appointment as Under-20s manager.
Darren Moore will oversee the Young Lions’ 2026-27 season, kicking off with fixtures against Italy, France and Germany over the next international window.
The 52-year-old former West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday and Doncaster boss’ last managerial role was at Port Vale, where he was sacked in December 2025.
He also totalled more than 600 appearances across his playing career, including 66 outings with the Blues after being signed by Alan Ball in November 1999.
Now Moore, who captained Pompey during his 22 months on the south coast, has returned to football with the England Under-20 job.
‘It’s an exciting new chapter for me personally’
He told the official England Football website: ‘I have huge pride in being appointed as a head coach for England and the honour of representing the country.
‘I’m excited to work with some of the best young talent in English football, helping players continue their development and to fulfil their potential.
‘There’s a real emphasis on developing and achieving together as a group. We want to create an environment where talented young players can progress individually while building a strong collective.
‘It’s an exciting new chapter for me personally. International football presents a different challenge and an opportunity for me to continue developing and growing as a head coach.
‘I’ve worked with and developed many talented young players throughout my coaching career, so working with elite emerging talent feels like a natural fit.
‘I’m just looking forward to getting started, working with the players and staff and contributing to the wider England pathway.
‘There’s something incredibly special about helping talented young players develop while representing your country.’
Signed from Bradford City for £650,000
Moore joined Pompey from Premier League Bradford in November 1999 in a £650,000 deal as new owner Milan Mandaric backed Ball in the transfer market.
However, just two months into his Fratton Park career, the central defender had a new manager, with Tony Pulis replacing Ball and subsequently appointing him captain.
He went on to make 66 appearances, scoring twice, before being sold to West Brom for £750,000 in September 2001.
Moore would remain at The Hawthorns for four-and-a-half years, winning promotion to the Premier League in his first season, as he established himself as a huge Baggies favourite.
He would later represent Derby, Barnsley and Burton before retiring in February 2012, approaching his 38th birthday.