England coach Ashley Cole ‘set to leave Birmingham to focus full-time on his Three Lions role’ after Lee Carsley’s impressive start as interim boss
- Ashley Cole was called in to support Lee Carsley during his temporary stint
- He played a balanced role for both club and country but will soon leave the Blues
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England manager Ashley Cole is set to part ways with Birmingham City to focus fully on his work at the Three Lions, according to reports.
Cole was confirmed as one of Lee Carsley’s assistants in August, but he took on his new responsibilities alongside his duties at the League One club.
Carsley was taken over as interim manager of the men’s senior team following the departure of Gareth Southgate and will lead the team for at least six games.
His tenure got off to a brilliant start with 2-0 victories over Ireland and Finland in the UEFA Nations League, with Cole part of his support staff.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Cole worked with Carsley at Under-21 level, combining that role with coaching the Blues, Everton and later Birmingham.
Ashley Cole will step down from his role at Birmingham to focus on his work with England
Cole was brought in to support Lee Carsley following his appointment as interim head coach
But according to The Athleticshis international obligations now take precedence.
As reported by Post SportThe FA have begun the process of talking to potential candidates for the full-time head coaching role. However, Carsley is believed to be the number one contender and Cole is said to have impressed the FA enough to stay on indefinitely.
Cole joined Birmingham in October 2023 following the appointment of Wayne Rooney, and has since remained under successive bosses Tony Mowbray, Gary Rowett and Chris Davies.
The 43-year-old was part of Carsley’s coaching team during the Young Lions’ victory at the 2023 European Under-21 Championship.
As Mail Sport’s Ian Ladyman revealed, Cole contributed to the relaxed atmosphere during the international break, something that has been a key part of Southgate’s governance.
Joleon Lescott, another former England international, and Tim Dittmer, the FA’s head of coaching, were also brought in alongside Carsley last month.
Cole played 107 international matches for his country between 2001 and 2014.
Cole joined Birmingham in October 2023 and has balanced his duties with the Three Lions
Cole, a former England international, is said to have impressed the FA enough to stay.
Carsley has confirmed he is interested in taking on the role of head coach permanently, but the FA is open to appointing an external candidate.
When asked after the win over Finland at Wembley if he was up for it, given the attention the job brings, he said: ‘Am I looking forward to it? It’s more about football, absolutely.’
“Am I ready? I think I am. I’m very level-headed about the most important part of this job, which for me is the football. Making sure we create a good environment for the players to perform. I don’t see it any other way.”
Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter are among the managers the English Football Association (FA) are said to have shown interest in.