Howard Wilkinson has resigned as England Under-21 manager.

The former Leeds manager has come under increasing pressure since taking over from Peter Taylor after a string of poor results.

His team were beaten 3-1 on their last outing in Greece when John Terry and Luke Young were sent off.

Wilkinson will continue in his role as technical director for the Football Association.

"Howard has done and is continuing to do a terrific job as technical director," said FA chief executive Adam Crozier.

"These changes are about ensuring that the FA is totally focused on providing the best coaching possible at every age group at the highest level."

Wilkinson, Crozier and current England chief Sven Goran Eriksson will draw up a shortlist to find a replacement.

As part of their restructuring programme, the FA will also appoint national team coaches to work with all the development sides from Under-15 level upwards.

"We have worked together as a team on these plans and I have no doubt that Howard and Sven will implement changes smoothly and successfully," added Crozier.

"We will be sitting down in the next few days to discuss a shortlist for the new Under-21 manager and all three of us look forward to finding the right person from what I am sure will be an outstanding field."