Lee Carsley has been appointed as England’s interim head coach and will take charge of the team’s September Nations League friendlies. The 50-year-old moves from his role as the Three Lions’ Under-21s manager and will take charge of England’s games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland next month and will name his first squad on August 29.
However, the FA have added Carsley could remain in the position throughout autumn while the recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues. Carsley, who led England’s Under-21s side to European Championship glory last year, replaces Gareth Southgate, who stood down days after the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain last month.
Sky Sports News reported this week the FA have yet to speak formally to many of the candidates on their shortlist. It is clear the governing body will take its time to make the right appointment.
Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Mauricio Pochettino and Kieran McKenna remain on the list of possible candidates – alongside Carsley – and while the next England manager doesn’t have to be English, it is thought FA chief executive Mark Bullingham would prefer a home-grown option.
Carsley won 40 caps with the Republic of Ireland as a player, and he has been an English FA employee for the past four years, working with both the U20s and U21s.
It is not clear whether Carsley wants the job long-term, but it could be seen as the perfect audition for both him and the FA. Southgate followed the same path to the top job. He was promoted from the under-21s in 2016, and given four games in interim charge before then being given a four-year contract as the new England manager.