Conor Coady and Paul Williams to join England MU21s coaching team

For the rest of 2026, Carsley will be joined by former Wolves and England defender Coady and experienced FA senior game coach developer Paul Williams, who most recently worked with the MU15s. FA head of coaching Tim Dittmer, an integral part of the back-to-back EURO wins with Carsley and Cole, continues as an assistant coach.

Carsley said: “I first want to pay tribute to Ashley, who played a major part in our two EURO wins and also had a key role in the current campaign with his tactical and technical knowledge. As well as being an important part of our coaching team, he also had a positive, inspirational impact on the players given his own elite experience. I am certain he will have even more success in his coaching career whatever the future holds.

“I'm excited to work with Conor and Paul. They will bring fresh energy to our group, and be an invaluable support for the players who are at such an important part of their career.

"Looking forward, I can’t wait to see the players again after the summer. It will be our first time experiencing the longer international window and while qualification is the most important thing, it will give us more time to develop important connections on and off the pitch. We are in a strong position in the group, but we can take nothing for granted.”

Coady, who was mostly recently playing for Wrexham, had a successful international career after captaining the Young Lions to 2010 UEFA U17 EURO success. He went on to win ten senior caps and represented the Three Lions at two major tournaments, UEFA EURO 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The 33 year old is also no stranger to the current England development team pathway having been a part of Will Antwi’s MU19 coaching staff in March 2026.

Williams, who made his name as a player with Derby County, has vast Premier League playing experience with Coventry City and Southampton and was also capped at England MU21 level. In his second spell at the FA, he worked in significant coaching roles before his return where he combines being a senior coach developer with supporting pathway teams.

Supporters can now secure their tickets for both home fixtures and also watch a brand-new England Original, Back to Back, which charts the Young Lions’ successful defence of their EURO title at the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

The documentary is available to watch on the official England app.