JUSTIN COCHRANE has bravely opened up about the death of his wife Leeanne.
The England coach’s wife tragically died in November 2024 aged just 40.
Cochrane, 43, was working at Brentford at the time alongside Thomas Frank.
He then took on a role with England in February 2025. after Thomas Tuchel‘s appointment.
The coach has since left Brentford to reunite with Frank at Tottenham Hotspur.
Cochrane though, had to endure the loss of his wife after she was diagnosed with a rare form of thyroid cancer.
CHIP OFF OLD BLOCK
Man Utd legend’s son scores twice for Salford including sublime chip
Doctors told them she had a very “slim” chance of survival, and she sadly died just ten months later.
She left behind the coach and their three sons.
Cochrane has now opened up about her death in an interview with presenter Simon Thomas and Sky Sports.
He said: “Going from everything going smoothly and sailing to being a solo parent and organising everything around my family.
“Deal with the shock while maintaining my work, it is difficult to put into words what I have experienced this last year.”
“She was an incredible wife and mother, she was perfect for me and she brought balance to the family.
“She supported my journey in coaching and did whatever she could for the boys.
“My life was pretty much perfect and she was a massive part of that.”
Leeanne was treated at the Royal Marsden – a specialist cancer hospital in London.
Cochrane revealed how difficult it was to deal with as Leeanne’s condition worsened over her illness.
He added: “She was treated at the Royal Marsten hospital.
“Leeanne although she did not have many symptoms of illness after ten months she was no longer here.
“The decline was pretty quick and very tough to see as her husband and to manage as a father.
“It was incredibly tough, I had the support of the club [Brentford] and all the staff.
“I told the players quite early on as there would be times I would be away and they were all supportive.
“Christian Norgaard, the captain, was incredible throughout.
“That period was tough because there was hope that maybe she could beat this.
“But there was also realism if she did go and what would happen, I had less sleep then.
“After she passed, I probably slept five hours but before when she was ill and I was dealing with those thoughts, it was three hours.”
Cochrane also described his emotions in the initial time after Leeanne died.
He said: “It was a bit of a daze, I was in shock, it felt like I was knocked out but I was still on my feet.
“I went into a mode to provide for my three sons, Leeanne spoke about me looking after them and myself.
“That gave me my strength although the days were tough and the nights were long.
“Every time I got out of bed I had to find a way to get to the end of the day and some days were harder than others of course.
“Football was able to give a release was able to help, a good training session with laughs and joy or a win on the weekend could give you a little lift.
“But then the reality sets in again and you keep going and you find a little way.”
Cochrane has had a community bench made in Leeanne’s honour in a spot that means a lot to him, as his children often play a couple of minutes’ walk from his home.
He will have the opportunity to go to the World Cup with England after the team qualifies for the tournament next summer.
Cochrane recalled breaking down into tears on the Three Lions’ team bus to Wembley after hearing a particular song come on the speakers.
He said: “I was on the way to Wembley and a song came on the coach and I had been with the staff maybe five days.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
RAILY ANNOYING
‘No logic’, says train passenger as they slam ScotRail over ticketing rule
SURE THING
Next Celtic manager betting SUSPENDED after rush of interest in new frontrunner
“I just started crying, I was sat opposite Henrique Hilario, and in that moment he just knew and gave me a hug.
“He just saw what was required but it had just hit me, I had been fine for a few days but it hit me that she was not going to be with me that day.”
