Ashley Cole Joins England Interim Coaching Staff

Ashley Cole has been appointed as an assistant coach to interim manager Lee Carsley for the England national team following Gareth Southgate's resignation. Cole, who earned over 100 caps for England, will join fellow former players Joleon Lescott and Tim Dittmer in the coaching staff, all of whom previously worked together during the Under-21s' successful Euro campaign. Carsley, appointed on August 9, will lead the team in upcoming Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland. The FA has also confirmed that analysts Stephen O'Brien and Michael Baker have been reassigned as part of a restructuring, while other coaching staff have departed. The search for Southgate's permanent successor is ongoing, with Eddie Howe and Graham Potter emerging as potential candidates. Carsley's interim role is seen as critical as the team prepares for the 2026 World Cup qualification process.