England coach Ashley Cole 'set to leave Birmingham to focus full-time on his Three Lions role' after Lee Carsley's impressive start as interim boss

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England coach Ashley Cole will step down from Birmingham City to focus full-time on his work with the Three Lions, according to reports.

Cole was confirmed as one of Lee Carsley's assistants in August but assumed his new responsibilities alongside his duties at the League One club.

Carsley was placed in temporary charge of the men's senior team after Gareth Southgate's departure and will lead the side for at least six matches.

His tenure got off to a perfect start after 2-0 victories against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the UEFA Nations League, with Cole a part of his support staff. 

Former Arsenal and Chelsea defender Cole had worked with Carsley with the Under-21s, balancing that role while coaching at the Blues, Everton and later Birmingham.

Ashley Cole will step down from his Birmingham role to focus on his work with England

Cole was drafted in to support Lee Carsley after his appointment as interim head coach

But according to The Athletic, his international commitments will now take priority. 

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As reported by Mail Sport, the FA have begun the process of speaking to potential candidates for the full-time head coach role. Carsley, however, looks to be the No 1 contender and Cole is said to have impressed the FA enough to stay on indefinitely.

Cole joined Birmingham in October 2023 after Wayne Rooney's appointment and he remained under subsequent bosses Tony Mowbray, Gary Rowett and Chris Davies.

The 43-year-old had been part of Carsley's coaching team for the Young Lions' triumph at the European Under-21 Championship in 2023.

As Mail Sport's Ian Ladyman revealed, Cole contributed to the relaxed atmosphere over the international break, something which was a key part of Southgate's administration. 

Joleon Lescott, another former England international, and Tim Dittmer, the FA's head of coaching, were also drafted in alongside Carsley last month.

Cole was handed 107 caps for his country between 2001 and 2014.

Cole joined Birmingham in October 2023 and had balanced his duties with the Three Lions

A former England international, Cole is said to have sufficiently impressed the FA to stay on

Carsley has confirmed that he would be interested in taking on the head coach role permanently - but the FA are open to appointing an external candidate. 

Asked after the win over Finland at Wembley whether he was keen given the spotlight the job entails, he said: 'Am I up for it? It is more about football, definitely.

'Am I up for it? I think I am up for it. I'm very grounded in terms of the most important part of this job which, for me, is the football. Making sure we create a good environment for the players to perform in. I can't see that being any different.'

Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe and former Chelsea manager Graham Potter are among the managers the FA are understood to have shown an interest in.