The Football Association has appointed Paul Fairclough as the new England National Game XI manager.

Fairclough takes over from John Owens and his first game as manager will be the U-23 international against Belgium on 11 February.

Since being sacked by Stevenage last February he has gained a Uefa 'A' badge as well as working for Arsenal as a scout.

"I am very honoured and delighted to be asked by The FA to take this role, and cannot wait to get started," Fairclough told the FA website.

"There are some fantastic young players currently in the Conference who I will be looking at ahead of the U-23 international in Belgium, before the open-age international in March against Holland."

Fairclough was twice manager of Stevenage and during his first spell he guided the clube to the Conference title in 1995-96 season.

But the Football League refused to admit the club on the grounds that their Broadhall Way stadium did not meet League requirements.

Fairclough was sacked for the first time by Stevenage in 1998, before he returned 18 months later.