ASHLEY COLE has left Birmingham to take up a full-time role with the FA.
The former England left-back was a part of Lee Carsley’s backroom team for the Three Lions’ matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
He had worked with the under-21s alongside his Birmingham role before stepping up with Carsley for his temporary spell in August.
However, The Athletic now report Cole will leave the Blues to focus completely on his international commitments.
The 43-year-old had been a first-team coach at St. Andrew’s since October last year after Wayne Rooney brought him to the club.
Cole remained on the coaching staff under Tony Mowbray, Gary Rowett and Chris Davies following Rooney’s dismissal, though.
Meanwhile, he has worked with Carsley at under-21 level for the last three years, including their Euros triumph in 2023.
It remains unclear, however, if Cole’s permanent role is a move towards keeping Carsley at the helm of the senior side.
The former Everton midfielder was placed in interim charge following Gareth Southgate’s exit in the summer.
Carsley oversaw Nations League wins against Ireland and Finland in his first two matches.
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The report adds that is unknown whether Cole will remain in his existing support role or another after leaving Birmingham.
He had joined fellow former England defender Joleon Lescott and the FA’s head of coaching Tim Dittmer in supporting Carsley during the September international break.
As a player, Cole won 107 caps for the Three Lions between 2001 and 2014, appearing at three World Cups.
Since retiring in 2019, he has also had coaching roles at Chelsea and Everton under Frank Lampard.
England are back in action next month with Nations League matches against Finland and Greece.
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