MICHAEL Appleton was the subject of significant support today to land the job as England Under 21 manager.

The Oxford United head coach was backed in to 6-4 favourite with BetVictor hours after being 16-1.

While the bookmaker is one of only two offering odds on the role, there has clearly been support for the 41-year-old.

The U’s boss has gained a reputation for developing young players and punters may have been tempted by his work at West Brom with Dan Ashworth, who is now the FA’s director of elite development.

Appleton will be asked about the speculation at tomorrow morning’s weekly press conference.