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

Ashley Cole has left his position as an England Under-21 coach after five years, ending a spell in which he helped Lee Carsley's staff guide the team to successive European Under-21 titles. BBC Sport reported the departure on Tuesday, with no next coaching role identified for the former Arsenal and Chelsea defender.

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Cole was part of the staff for both of England's back-to-back continental triumphs and also worked on the team's current campaign. Carsley credited the 45-year-old with having a positive and inspirational influence on the players, while highlighting the tactical and technical knowledge he brought to the group. He said Cole had played a major part in the two title wins.

The former England international moved into coaching after retiring as a player in 2019. He completed his coaching qualifications at Derby County while Frank Lampard was in charge, then worked in Chelsea's academy. Further assistant roles followed at Everton and Birmingham City, where he served under Wayne Rooney.

Cole also joined England's senior setup during Carsley's temporary spell as interim head coach in 2024. That assignment added another level to a coaching career that had already covered academy football, club first-team work and the national youth structure before he moved into management overseas.

In March 2026, Cole became head coach of Italian Serie B club Cesena after saying he had felt discouraged about his prospects of securing a managerial opportunity within the English football pyramid. His time in Italy lasted until June, when he departed after talks with the club's sporting director concerning what Cesena described as a change in strategy.

Cole's playing record included 107 appearances for England and a major collection of club honours. Across his spells with Arsenal and Chelsea, he won three Premier League titles, the Champions League, the Europa League, seven FA Cups and one League Cup. Carsley said he believed Cole would enjoy further success in coaching, regardless of what position he takes next.