New England coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink joins Three Lions squad

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink will be tasked with making England’s forwards shoot and his appointment to Gareth Southgate’s coaching staff is yet to be confirmed.

The former Netherlands international will join the senior team’s coaching staff for their European Championship campaign, taking over from Chris Powell, whose placement in an FA scheme designed to improve diversity has expired.

Hasselbaink has already started working with the England team and was yesterday at training camp with the Southgate players ahead of tomorrow’s clash against Italy in Naples.

And the main focus of the former Burton manager’s new role will be honing the skills of England forwards such as captain Harry Kane.

Hasselbaink’s impressive career as a goalscorer provides the team with a different skill set to his predecessor Powell, indeed his experience in attacking areas is understood to be a key reason behind Southgate’s decision to sign the Dutchman.

The 50-year-old former Chelsea striker giving instructions to Harry Maguire (left) and Ivan Toney (right)

Hasselbaink joined manager Gareth Southgate’s coaching staff for March internationals

Both were teammates at Middlesbrough in the Premier League between 2004 and 2006.

Hasselbaink, 50, scored 195 goals in 396 appearances for Leeds United, Atlético Madrid, Chelsea and Middlesbrough between 1997 and 2006.

Southgate and Hasselbaink became close during their time together at Middlesbrough and have kept in touch over the years.

England last had a designated forward coach for the World Cup in Russia in 2018; Allan Russell becomes a key member of Southgate’s backroom crew.

However, the Scotsman, who is currently doing his coaching badges, quit the job ahead of Euro 2020 following a road accident when he allowed his brother, Simon, to drive his car, which was over the legal alcohol limit and not had insurance.

He replaces Chris Powell, who left his role to focus on his role in the Tottenham youth system.