Arsenal & Chelsea legend 'set to join' England coaching staff

Ashley Cole is set to leave Birmingham City and join the Football Association full-time after working alongside Lee Carsley in September.

Former left-back Cole will leave behind his coaching role with League One side Birmingham and instead journey into international football after being handed a one-year contract with the FA.

According to The Telegraph, Cole will now take on a full-time role within the FA after impressing technical director John McDermott - who is in charge of finding Gareth Southgate's permanent successor.

Cole has plenty of international experience as a player. The legendary full-back is one of ten players to have amassed over 100 caps for the Three Lions, racking up 107 in total - the sixth most in the nation's history.

England Under-21s boss Carsley was given the call-up to lead the senior Three Lions through UEFA Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September, and is expected to remain at the helm for two further international games at least.

Cole joined Carsley on the sidelines during the latest fixtures, after working alongside the interim boss at youth level. Reports confirm that the former Arsenal and Chelsea star will remain in his role at the FA even if Carsley is not offered the role on a permanent basis.

Carsley secured two victories from two during the September break, staring his career with England's senior squad off on the right foot. While it's not yet known whether he will lead England beyond the upcoming Nations League fixtures, Carsley has admitted that he believes the FA will select the best candidate to coach the team to success.

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