Carsley named interim England manager

Lee Carsley has been appointed interim England manager for September’s Nations League games as the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor continues.

The 50-year-old has stepped up from his role as England Under-21 boss to replace Southgate, who resigned two days after defeat by Spain in the Euro 2024 final last month.

Carsley said, “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 (Football Association) 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.”

Carsley is a former Premier League midfielder who played for clubs including Derby and Everton in a 17-year career.

He moved into management and took charge of Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham on a caretaker basis before joining the England set-up in 2020.

England are away at the Republic of Ireland on Saturday, 7 September before they host Finland three days later.

Carsley won 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland in his playing career.

The FA has said Carsley will be in charge for those games “with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn while the FA’s recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues.”

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.

“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.”

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