England centurion steps up with Carsley

Last updated : 24 August 2024 By Three Lions

Ashley Cole will be part of Lee Carsley's backroom team with the England senior squad for September's Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea defender, part of the exclusive club to have won more than 100 caps for England, Cole has been working alongside Carsley with the mens under-21 squad in recent years.

Appointed on an interim basis after Gareth Southgate's decision to step down, Carsley remains in the hunt to take the job on a longer-term deal given the current lack of an obvious outside candidate.

Joleon Lescott and current FA head of coaching Tim Dittmer will also be part of Carsley's team.

Stepping up to replace Carsley with the U21's is Ben Futcher and his first matches in charge will come in September, against Northern Ireland (away) in qualifying for Euro 2025 and a home friendly with Austria at Luton Town's Kenilworth Road ground on Tuesday 9th.

Supporters in Bournemouth and Bristol will also have a chance to watch the under-21's in action with home qualifying matches scheduled for the Vitality Stadium (against Ukraine on 11 October) and Ashton Gate (against Azerbaijan on 15 October).

Tickets for both games, and the Luton fixture, are available via the England Football tickets page.