Interim England assistant Ashley Cole has left Birmingham City to join the Football Association as a full-time national coach.

The 43-year-old represented his country on 107 occasions and played in five major tournaments before retiring from international football just before the 2014 World Cup.

Cole transitioned into coaching after hanging up his boots in 2019 and has been working as a first-team coach at Birmingham City alongside his responsibilities with England.

The former left-back recently stepped up from his position with the England Under-21s to the senior team, as part of interim manager Lee Carsley’s coaching staff.

England achieved 2-0 victories in their Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland during their first camp, with Cole’s new permanent role potentially boosting Carsley’s chances of succeeding Gareth Southgate.

In a statement, the Football Association said: “Ashley Cole has joined The FA as a full-time national coach.

“The England legend, who earned 107 caps for his country, had been combining his first-team coach role at Birmingham City with his duties for the Three Lions.

“However, Cole will now focus solely on his work across the England men’s player pathway.

“In the interim, the 43-year-old will continue to support Lee Carsley as assistant coach for the senior men’s team.

“Cole initially joined The FA on a part-time basis in July 2021 to assist Carsley with the Under-21s, and was part of the team that won the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Georgia.”