Former Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson has landed a World Cup role with England's Under-20s.

The ex-Blues manager will take charge of the national side at this summer's tournament in South Korea.

Simpson, 50, has been working in the FA set-up since last October as a national specialist coach.

The Cumbrian, who led the Blues to double promotions in 2005 and 2006, has now been appointed to lead the Under-20s after previous boss Aidy Boothroyd took charge of the Under-21s.

It marks a further step in Carlisle-born Simpson's career away from club football after his departure from Newcastle last March.

He said: “It is a huge honour to be asked to lead this very talented group of staff and players and I look forward to a fantastic challenge.

“This group have worked incredibly hard to earn the right to take part in these finals and I believe we can enjoy a successful competition.

"The experience gained will help the players take the next steps in their development as international footballers.”

The Under-20 World Cup runs from May 20 to June 11, with the draw on March 15.

The England side that secured qualification last July featured such players as Chelsea's Izzy Brown, Newcastle's Freddie Woodman, West Ham's Reece Oxford and Everton's Ademola Lookman.

Their build-up will include a four-team mini tournament in France next month.

Matt Crocker, The FA’s head of development team coaching, said: “Paul has a wealth of experience from both a coaching and managerial perspective and he is the right man to take us into a key tournament this summer."

Simpson will be assisted by coaches Aaron Danks, Andy Edwards and Richard Hartis.