Ashley Cole Steps Down as England Under-21s Coach After Five Successful Years
Ashley Cole has officially left his position as an England Under-21 coach after five impactful years. The former defender, known for his stints with Chelsea and Arsenal, was integral to the coaching team led by Lee Carsley, helping guide the team to consecutive European Under-21 titles. In a statement, Carsley praised Cole, highlighting his "positive, inspirational impact" on the players. He noted, "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, who retired from playing in 2019, began his coaching journey after completing his badges at Derby County under Frank Lampard. His coaching career included stints in Chelsea's academy, and assisting managers at Everton and Birmingham City under Wayne Rooney. Notably, he also assisted during Carsley's brief tenure as interim boss of the senior team in 2024. In March, Cole took on the head coach role at Serie B club Cesena but left in June after discussions about a "change in the club's strategy". As a player, Cole earned 107 England caps and collected numerous trophies, including three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and seven FA Cups. His contributions to both club and country have left a lasting legacy.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-08-25