Ashley Cole has stepped away from his coaching role with the England Under-21s. The former England star joined the Young Lions set-up in 2021.Cole has been an influential figure in England’s youth systemGettyHe was part of the coaching team that won back-to-back European Under-21s Championships in 2023 and 2025.Cole also served as assistant to Under-21s boss Lee Carsley when he took charge of the senior team on an interim basis. The ex-Arsenal and Chelsea left-back also served in a broader role with the FA, supporting development pathways into the men’s team.Carsley said: “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.“As well as being an important part of our coaching team, he also had a positive, inspirational impact on the players given his own elite experience. “I am certain he will have even more success in his coaching career whatever the future holds.”Cole’s coaching careerThe iconic Premier League left-back has been a trusted assistant to both Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney in recent years. Cole has held roles working under his former England teammates at Derby and Birmingham in the Championship, as well as Chelsea and Everton in the Premier League. His first head coach role came earlier this year when he took charge of Serie B side Cescena in Italy. The 45-year-old was appointed in March on a short-term deal until the end of the season. Carsley formed a fruitful coaching partnership with Cole for the Young LionsGettyCole stepped down after winning just one match out of his eight in charge.Next stepsThe Champions League and Premier League winner is trying to establish himself as a head coach after years of experience in various assistant roles.Speaking earlier this year, Cole admitted he grew frustrated with the lack of opportunities in English football.“I was getting kind of discouraged by a lack of opportunities, from some clubs in England I spoke to,” Cole said. “They like to throw the ‘you don’t have experience’ line. And I’m like, I get what you’re saying, I agree – but how am I going to get experience?“That’s the battle you have to fight as a number two for six or seven years – you have to take a leap of faith, but a club also has to take a leap of faith.“I don’t think there are too many black English coaches working in Italy, so yes, it is a massive leap of faith from them and I’m very proud to be here.“It is a great place to be and to start. I’m glad I’m back. We’re going to do something different – a bit special.”