Lee Carsley, aged 50, has been appointed as the interim manager for England. He has taken over from Gareth Southgate on a temporary basis, moving up from his previous role as the U21s manager. According to the FA, Carsley may continue as the manager “throughout autumn” while the search for a new permanent head coach is underway.
Carsley will move from his position as the manager of the England Under-21s team as he is set to lead the national team in their upcoming matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland next month. On August 29, he will announce his inaugural squad for these fixtures.
The FA has stated that Carsley may continue in the role “during the autumn period while the search for a new permanent head coach is ongoing.” Carsley, who successfully guided England’s Under-21s team to victory in the European Championship last year, has taken over from Gareth Southgate, who resigned shortly after England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
The FA has reportedly not yet had formal discussions with many of the potential candidates on their shortlist. It is evident that the governing body will take its time in order to make the correct appointment.
Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino, and Kieran McKenna are still being considered as possible candidates, along with Carsley. Although the next England manager does not necessarily have to be English, it is believed that FA chief executive Mark Bullingham would prefer a candidate who is home-grown.
It remains unclear whether Carsley is interested in the job long-term, but this opportunity could serve as an ideal audition for both him and the FA. Southgate followed a similar path to the top position. He was promoted from the under-21s in 2016 and given four interim games in charge before being offered a four-year contract as the new England manager.
