The English Football Association (FA) has appointed Lee Carsley as the interim manager of the England national team, following Gareth Southgate’s departure after eight years in charge. Carsley, 50, has been promoted from his role as head coach of the England Under-21 team, which he led to victory in the 2022 European Under-21 Championship.Carsley will lead the senior team in their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on September 7 and Finland at Wembley Stadium on September 10. The FA has indicated that Carsley’s interim role may be extended if the process of selecting Southgate’s permanent successor takes longer than expected.Mark Bullingham, CEO of the FA, expressed confidence in Carsley, stating, ‘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’. Carsley himself said, ‘It is an honor to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis’.Carsley’s appointment comes after Southgate’s resignation following England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. The FA is continuing its search for a permanent manager, with names such as Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, and Jürgen Klopp reportedly being considered.With his experience as both a player and coach, including 40 caps for Ireland and over 300 games in the English Premier League, Carsley is seen as a strong interim solution. His main priority will be to ensure continuity and secure promotion in the UEFA Nations League.
Key points
- Lee Carsley, former Under-21 coach, appointed as interim manager of England national team
- Carsley to lead England in UEFA Nations League matches against Ireland and Finland in September
- FA continuing search for permanent manager to replace Gareth Southgate
