Lee Carsley appointed England interim coach

Lee Carsley has been appointed as England’s interim head coach and will take charge of the team’s September Nations League friendlies.

Carsley moves from his role as the Three Lions’ U21s manager and will take charge of England’s games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland next month.

The 50-year-old coach is expected to 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 said on Friday: “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.”

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “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.

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“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.”

Carsley, who led the U21s side to European Championship glory last year, replaces Gareth Southgate, who stood down days after the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain last month.

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 Bullingham would prefer a home-grown option.

Carsley won 40 caps with 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.

The Star