Conor Coady has ventured into coaching following his release from Wrexham as the former Wolves and Leicester City defender was named as a new member of Lee Carsley's England U21s staff.
Coady fills the void of Ashley Cole, who decided to step down from his position after five years to pursue new coaching opportunities.
Carsley will also be accompanied by his former team-mate and FA senior game coach developer Paul Williams.
On their appointments, Carsley said: "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."
Coady became a free agent on the eve of transfer deadline day after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Wrexham.
The 33-year-old made just six appearances for Phil Parkinson's side after moving to north Wales from Leicester City last summer.
Coady joined Charlton Athletic on loan midway through the 2025/26 campaign and made 12 appearances for the Addicks before returning to Wrexham, where he was not included in any of their opening three Championship fixtures.
Coady revealed to BBC Radio 5 Live that he'd began coaching Liverpool's U21s following his departure from Wrexham, although he hinted at the possibility of continuing his playing career.
Coady had been working with the England U19s in March this year and is no stranger to the Three Lions youth pathway.
The Liverpudlian captained England's U17s to Euro success in 2010 and went on to win 10 senior caps, representing England at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup under Gareth Southgate.
Coady will help with England U21s preparation for their final three qualification fixtures as they look to secure their place at next summer's 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Kazakhstan will visit Molineux on Friday 25th September before the Young Lions host Slovakia at the bet365 Stadium on Friday 2nd October.
England U21s will then round off their qualifying campaign with a trip to Cork to face the Republic of Ireland on Tuesday 6th October.
Carsley's side are currently top of Group D with 19 points out of a possible 21y.
England have won the previous two editions of the U21 Euros, beating Spain in the 2023 final staged in Georgia and Romania before defending their crown in Slovakia with an extra time victory over Germany in 2025.
Carsley will be targeting a three-peat in Albania and Serbia, which would see them become the first nation since Italy in 1996 to win the tournament three times in a row.
