JOE COLE has revealed his application for the England Under-21 manager’s job has FAILED.

SunSport exclusively revealed in April that the ex-World Cup star was a shock candidate for the role following the sacking of Aidy Boothroyd.

But Cole, 39, said he was given a polite 'no' – and was not interviewed for the post.

Former Chelsea , West Ham and Liverpool midfielder Cole said: “I sent in my CV. It’s the only job I have ever applied for.

“I got a polite no. But I would have loved the opportunity to stand in front of them and be interviewed.

“Managing the Under-21s is the only job I would step away from what I am doing now  for. The job is so unique."

He added: "I would have loved the job but it was politely declined.

"No grudges and I hope whoever gets the job is someone of my ilk, an ex-player who has experienced all of that."

Cole played for the Three Lions at every age group, winning 56 full caps to go with his three Premier League titles and two FA Cups.

He obtained his Uefa A licence a year ago and is passionate about making a move into management.

Boothroyd’s contract was not renewed after a disastrous  U-21 Euros in March. 

And pundit Cole told the All To Play For podcast: “I loved playing in every England age group   — but I know the hazards.

“Age 15 to 20 should be developmental but the Under-21s is a hybrid.

“It’s the last lesson. You need to win tournaments and forget about development — because you  can be sure Brazil and Germany were winning these ten years before they win World Cups.”

Cole recently came out of retirement to play for non-league side Belstone FC.

Earlier this month SunSport revealed England legend Sol Campbell is keen on the England Under-21 manager's job.

Ex-Arsenal star Campbell, 46, who previously bossed Macclesfield and Southend, is understood to have been among those to have applied.

The in-house candidate is Under-17s coach Justin Cochrane, who has risen through the ranks after being England Under-15s boss.

London-born Cochrane played for QPR, Rotherham and Crewe before dropping into non-league football, and won 14 caps for Antigua and Barbuda.

After retiring he was a youth team coach at Spurs.

Prospective candidates were encouraged to throw their hat in the ring as part of the FA's "formal open process" to appoint the new boss.

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