Ashley Cole to become England Under-21 assistant coach to Carsley

England have appointed Lee Carsley as their new Under-21 head coach, with former Chelsea star Ashley Cole named as his assistant. Carsley is promoted from his role with the England Under-20 team to replace Aidy Boothroyd, who has left after almost five years in the position. Cole won 107 caps in an illustrious playing career and will be the chief support to Carsley, combining the position with his role as a coach in Chelsea's academy.

"I'm really happy to get this opportunity to support Lee and work with the best youngsters in the country," said Cole, who began his coaching career with Derby County. "I loved playing for the national team and to now get the chance to work as an England coach is a special feeling. "St. George's Park is an amazing place and I can't wait to get started. I want to do my best to help young players to develop, and also learn from some brilliant people at the same time."

Boothroyd left the Under-21 job on a disappointing note after failing to progress through the group stage of this year's European Championship. He had taken the role, initially on a caretaker basis, in 2016 after Gareth Southgate was promoted to the senior team. The new regime will start with matches against Romania and Kosovo in September.

FA technical director John McDermott added: "I'm very happy to be able to confirm Lee's appointment, and to be able to bring in someone of Ashley's stature as his number two, with thanks to Chelsea for their support." Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Cole, 40, has also worked as a television pundit since retiring as a player with Derby in 2019.