The Football Association has named Lee Carsley as England’s interim head coach as it continues its search for Gareth Southgate’s successor.
Carsley, who led England to victory in the European Under-21 Championship last summer, was regarded as a potential short-term replacement when Southgate stepped down after England’s defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final last month. Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Mauricio Pochettino are among the managers linked with the permanent role, although it is understood that there is no rush to appoint a permanent replacement for Southgate.
The FA has confirmed that Carsley will step in for next month’s Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland “with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn while the FA’s recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues”.
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England also play Nations League game in mid-October and mid-November. Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup are due to begin in March.
Carsley, a former Republic of Ireland midfielder, said: “It’s an honour to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis. As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while the FA continues the process to recruit a new manager. My main priority is to ensure continuity and our goal is to secure promotion in the Uefa Nations League.”
The 50-year-old’s side won all six matches at the Under-21 Euros without conceding a goal and beat Spain in the final. He has been in charge of the Under-21s since July 2021 and has held other development team coaching roles with the FA. He may be considered for the senior role on a permanent basis if results are positive.
“Lee is a fantastic coach who is well known to the majority of our current senior squad having worked with most at international or club level,” said the FA’s chief executive, Mark Bullingham. “He offers us a very strong interim solution and we are confident he will perform well in the Uefa Nations League games ahead. We are grateful to Lee for stepping up to manage the team while we continue with our recruitment process.”
Although Jürgen Klopp has ruled himself out, the FA’s board has approved the potential appointment of a foreign manager after Bullingham gained their backing before beginning the recruitment process.
In Carsley’s absence, Ben Futcher will take charge of the Under 21s for their forthcoming qualifiers.
