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Sunday, May 17, 2026

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Salomon appointed England U19 head coach

John Salomon will take permanent charge of England WU19s while Remi Allen joins the WU23s as assistant coach, as part of further changes to the Young Lionesses coaching set-up.

Salomon has worked across the England women development teams at The FA for the past 11 years and stepped up to become a national team head coach in 2022, leading the WU15s and WU16s. Prior to that, he spent several years as assistant coach to Mo Marley, including during England’s UEFA Women’s Under-19 EURO campaign in 2017 and the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2018, where the Young Lionesses won a bronze medal. During the first international window of 2026, Salomon was named interim head coach of the England WU20s, guiding the team to victories over the Netherlands and Mexico.

With more than 18 years of experience coaching in the women’s game – including seven years at Watford – Salomon brings extensive expertise in player development to the role and will begin his post immediately. He will lead the WU19s into the 2026-27 campaign as they aim to qualify for next summer’s under-19 EUROs in Hungary.

John Salomon said: “I’m incredibly proud to take on the role of head coach of the WU19s on a permanent basis. Having worked across the England pathway for a number of years, I’ve seen first-hand the talent and potential coming through our development teams, and it’s a privilege to continue supporting that journey. There is a strong group of players within this age category and I’m looking forward to working with them as we begin preparations for the new season and our qualification campaign for next summer’s EURO.”

Meanwhile, Remi Allen will join Lydia Bedford’s coaching team as assistant coach of the WU23s, having previously worked with the age group during the 2023-24 season and with the WU17s in 2025. In the domestic game, Allen has enjoyed spells as head coach of London City Lionesses and Southampton, and will join The FA from her current position as assistant coach at Crystal Palace, where she helped guide the club to promotion and a return to the Barclays WSL.

Allen moved into coaching following an accomplished playing career that included spells with clubs such as Aston Villa and Birmingham City. A former Young Lioness herself, she was part of the England squad that won a gold medal at the UEFA Women’s Under-19 EURO in 2009. She now returns to the pathway in a coaching capacity, bringing first-hand experience of representing England at youth level.

Remi Allen said: “I’m really excited to be rejoining the WU23s coaching team and to have the chance to work with such a talented group of players and staff. From my own experiences as both a player and a coach, I have a strong understanding the journey young players go through, and I’m looking forward to supporting the next generation of Lionesses as they take that final step through the pathway towards the senior team.”

The FA’s Women’s Technical Director Gavin Step added: “We’re delighted to confirm these appointments as we continue to strengthen the coaching structure across our women’s development teams. John has made a significant contribution throughout his time within the pathway and brings a wealth of experience in player development, while Remi’s experiences as both a player and coach in the elite game will be a huge asset to the WU23s programme. Both appointments reflect our commitment to providing the best possible environment for our young players to develop and succeed on the international stage.”