Ashley Cole Departs England Under-21 Coaching Role After Five Years

Ashley Cole has stepped down from his position as England Under-21 coach after five years.

The former Chelsea and Arsenal defender was a member of Lee Carsley’s coaching staff that secured consecutive European Under-21 championships.

Carsley noted that the 45‑year‑old Cole, who hung up his boots in 2019 before moving into coaching, delivered a “positive, inspirational impact” on his players.

“I want to thank Ashley for his major contribution to our two Euro victories and for his tactical and technical input in the ongoing campaign,” he added.

“I am confident he will achieve even greater success in his coaching career moving forward.”

After earning his coaching qualifications at Derby County under Frank Lampard, Cole spent time in Chelsea’s academy, then held assistant‑coach roles at Everton and Birmingham City (under Wayne Rooney), and later joined England’s setup during Lee Carsley’s short tenure as interim senior‑team manager in 2024.

In March, Cole became head coach of Serie B side Cesena, citing frustration with limited managerial opportunities in the English football hierarchy.

He departed the position in June, external following talks with the club’s sporting director about a shift in strategic direction.

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

Source link