Ashley Cole leaves England U21 set-up after five years and sets sight on new role

Ashley Cole has left his role with England under-21s after five years as a coach.

Former England defender Cole was part of under-21s boss Lee Carsley’s coaching staff which won back-to-back European titles. Cole retired from his playing career in 2019 and moved into coaching and it is believed he wants to carry on at club level.

Carsley said Cole had a “positive, inspirational impact on his players” and 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.

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

Cole worked under Frank Lampard at Derby, had a spell at Chelsea ’s academy and then was assistant manager at Everton and Birmingham.

The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea left back is one of England’s all-time great defenders and he had a recent spell as head coach of Serie B club Cesena in March after not getting a chance in his own right in English football.

But Cole, who won 107 caps and three Premier League titles and a European Cup during his glorious playing career, left Cesena in June, citing a “change in the club's strategy.”

Cole took to social media to explain his departure, writing: “As my tenure at Cesena FC concludes today, I want to thank the players and staff for their hard work and commitment over the last few months.

“I was proud to bring my experience to such a passionate club, and I’ve truly enjoyed working with the squad to introduce a new identity and prepare for the season ahead.

“Following recent discussions with the Sporting Director regarding a change in the club’s strategy, I have decided that it is best for me to move on.

“I leave with great respect for all the people there, as well as the fans, and look forward to my next challenge.”

Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.

This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.