Reports suggest that England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley is set to become the interim manager of the senior England team following Gareth Southgate’s resignation.
Southgate stepped down just days after England’s loss to Spain in the Euro 2024 final.
Despite mixed opinions on his tenure, Southgate led England to two consecutive European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final in 2018.
With the search for a permanent replacement ongoing, Carsley is expected to take charge for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland next month, according to The Telegraph.
While initially an interim choice, Carsley could secure the position permanently if the Football Association (FA) deems him suitable.
This mirrors Southgate’s own path, who began as interim manager in 2016 before taking the role full-time.
Other England managers, such as Howard Wilkinson and Stuart Pearce, also transitioned from interim to permanent positions, making this a familiar scenario.
Carsley, who has managed the England Under-21s since 2021, led them to their first European Under-21 Championship victory in nearly 40 years last summer, showcasing his potential for the senior role.
Born in Birmingham, Carsley, now 50, began his playing career at Derby County and earned 40 caps for Ireland, including playing in the 2002 World Cup. His career also included stints at Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City, and Birmingham City.
Carsley’s coaching career started in 2015 within the FA, followed by managerial roles at Brentford, Coventry, and Birmingham, as well as academy coaching at Manchester City. His broad experience has prepared him for the senior team’s challenges.
As interim manager, Carsley will have the chance to build on Southgate’s foundation and bring his own vision to the team.
His appointment reflects the FA’s confidence in his leadership during this transition.
Should he succeed, Carsley could take on the role permanently, continuing the development of the national team.
