Ashley Cole leaves role as England Under-21 coach

Ashley Cole has left his role as England Under-21 coach on 25 August 2026, ending a five-year spell with the age-group side. The former England defender had been part of Lee Carsley's staff throughout that period.

Cole, who retired from playing in 2019 before moving into coaching, was a member of Carsley's coaching team that guided the side to back-to-back European Under-21 titles. Lee Carsley said Cole had a "positive, inspirational impact on his players" and paid tribute to his contribution to the squad.

Carsley added: "I want to pay tribute to Ashley who played a major part in our two Euro wins and also had a key role in the current campaign with his tactical and technical knowledge." He praised Cole’s work across the five-year spell.

Cole completed his coaching badges at Derby County under Frank Lampard and subsequently worked in Chelsea's academy. He later had spells assisting managers at Everton and Birmingham City under Wayne Rooney, and served with England during Carsley's brief spell as interim boss of the senior side in 2024.

In March Cole took over as head coach of Serie B club Cesena after feeling "discouraged" within the English football pyramid from succeeding in a managerial role. He left the Cesena job in June after discussions with the club's sporting director regarding a "change in the club's strategy".

As a player, Cole won 107 England caps and collected trophies with Arsenal and Chelsea, including three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, seven FA Cups and one League Cup.

Carsley concluded his remarks by saying: "I am certain he will have even more success in his coaching career whatever the future holds."