Ashley Cole has stepped down from his role as coach of the England Under-21 team after five successful years.
Why it matters: Cole's departure marks the end of a notable chapter in his coaching career, during which he helped lead the team to remarkable success.
Cole was part of Lee Carsley's coaching team that guided the Young Lions to back-to-back European Under-21 titles.
His exit comes as he seeks new opportunities in management after a brief tenure at Serie B club Cesena.
The former defender is expected to target a role in either lower league English or Italian football.
Driving the news: Cole's announcement to leave the Under-21s was made this week, with Carsley expressing gratitude for his contributions.
Carsley praised Cole's tactical and technical knowledge, noting his "positive, inspirational impact" on players.
He highlighted Cole's key role in the current campaign and expressed confidence in Cole's future success in coaching.
Cole joined the Young Lions setup in 2021, contributing to one of the most successful periods in the team's history.
State of play: Cole's coaching career began after he completed his badges at Derby County under Frank Lampard.
Before joining the England Under-21s, he worked in Chelsea's academy and assisted managers at Everton and Birmingham City.
He also was an assistant during Carsley's interim management of the senior England team in 2024.
Cole’s playing career saw him earn 107 caps for England and win multiple trophies, including three Premier League titles.
The big picture: Cole's coaching tenure has been characterized by notable achievements but also challenges.
He took over as head coach of Cesena in March 2026, motivated by a desire for a managerial role beyond the English football system.
His stint at the Italian club lasted just three months, where he recorded one win, three draws, and four defeats.
The appointment was reportedly not well-received by fans, leading to discussions about a change in club strategy that prompted his departure.
What they're saying: Cole's contributions have been widely acknowledged by his peers.
Carsley stated, "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."
He added, "I am certain he will have even more success in his coaching career whatever the future holds."
Reports suggest that Cole is now actively seeking a new managerial position as the football season progresses.
By the numbers: Cole's playing and coaching statistics highlight his experience.
As a player, Cole amassed an impressive collection of titles, including three Premier League titles, the Champions League, and seven FA Cups.
During his coaching career, he helped the Under-21s achieve back-to-back European Championships.
His record at Cesena included one win, three draws, and four losses over three months in charge.
What's next: Cole is expected to pursue new managerial roles soon.
With the new season already underway, he may target positions in struggling teams within the English or Italian leagues.
As clubs look to stabilize their coaching staff, Cole's experience and pedigree could make him a desirable candidate.
His next move will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike as he aims to build on his previous successes.