Former Chelsea star Joe Cole a candidate for England U21 job

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole is a candidate for Aidy Boothroyd's England U21 job.

The Daily Mail says Boothroyd's contract will not be automatically renewed – but he can reapply for the position despite his side's embarrassing exit from the European Championship.

Cole, 39, has UEFA A licence and is keen to make a move into management.

Since retiring as a player, Cole has worked worked as a pundit for BT Sport and also as a coach in the academy at Chelsea.

Despite being one of the tournament favourites, England crashed out in the group stages for the second straight Euros under Boothroyd, whose contract expires in July.

The 50-year-old has indicated he would like to stay in the job, insisting that the pathway of players stepping up to the senior team is working.