Ashley Cole steps away from England Under-21 coaching role

Ashley Cole has stepped away from his coaching role with England Under-21s after playing a key role in one of the most successful periods in their recent history, talkSPORT reports.

The former England, Arsenal and Chelsea left-back joined the national team set-up in 2021 and helped them win back-to-back European U21 Championship titles in 2023 and 2025.

Cole was part of Lee Carsley’s coaching team when he was appointed interim manager of the senior side.

He also worked with the Football Association (FA), supporting player development and coaching pathways towards the men’s senior team.

Carsley praised Cole for his contribution, highlighting his tactical knowledge and experience at the highest level. 

“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,” Carsley said.

“As well as being an important part of our coaching team, he also had a positive, inspirational impact on the players given his own elite experience.

“I am certain he will have even more success in his coaching career whatever the future holds.”

Cole’s coaching career has already taken him through several clubs and roles. 

The Premier League Hall of Famer has worked as an assistant to former England teammates Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney at Derby County and Birmingham City in the Championship.

He also worked under Lampard at Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League. After several years as an assistant, Cole was appointed head coach of Italian Serie B side Cesena. 

The 45-year-old arrived in March on a short-term contract due to run until the end of the season, but he won just one of his eight matches in charge before stepping down.