Crozier: Said Wilko still has big role to play for England (ShaunBotterill/Allsport)

The FA responded quickly yesterday to the persistent rumour that the chief executive is angling to make Taylor a full-time member of the England camp. Staff at Soho Square insisted that discussions surrounding Taylor were for him to carry on as a member of the coaching team with the senior side, not as Wilkinson's replacement as Under 21 coach.

Crozier was also at great pains to stress that Wilkinson has a significant role to play in the FA's review of the England coaching set-up 'at all levels'. Soccernet understands that the Leicester board is split over whether Taylor, who has two years to run on his £15,000-a-week contract, should be retained at the club which suffered a disastrous club record run of eight consecutive Premiership defeats near the end of last season.

There is little doubt that while City chairman John Elsom has always said he views Taylor's England involvement as a compliment to the club, there are others who see it only as a distraction.

Leicester are also conscious that if the FA wants Taylor as a full-time coach, they would be able to claim compensation from the game's governing body as long as he remains their manager. If Crozier then makes a move to reinstate Taylor as Under 21 manager, he would face a breach of contract row with Wilkinson.

Taylor suggested earlier this week that it would be a 'close call' whether Elsom would give the FA permission to continue using his services.