England has postponed hiring a permanent coach to succeed Gareth Southgate and will be led temporarily by Lee Carsley, who currently manages the country’s under-21 team.
Carsley’s first matches as coach of the senior team will be against Ireland and Finland in the Nations League in September, the English Football Association announced on Friday.
“We appreciate Lee stepping up to manage the team while we continue our recruitment process,” said Mark Bullingham, the FA’s chief executive.
Southgate departed his role after eight years following England’s 2-1 defeat to Spain in the European Championship final in July. Southgate was also promoted from the under-21s when he assumed the senior job in 2016 and proved to be one of England’s most successful coaches, guiding the team to consecutive Euro finals and the World Cup semifinals in 2018.”
“The 50-year-old Carsley, who was born in England but represented Ireland in international soccer, led England’s under-21 team to the European Championship victory last year — defeating Spain in the final. He previously coached England’s under-20 team and had brief stints managing Coventry, Brentford, and Birmingham in the lower divisions of English soccer.”
Carsley said it was a “privilege to step up and lead this England squad.”
“Since I am very familiar with the players and the rhythm of international football, it’s logical for me to guide the team while the FA continues the process of appointing a new manager,” he said. “My primary focus is to ensure continuity, and our objective is to achieve promotion in the UEFA Nations League.”
The FA stated that the plan is for Carsley to stay in the role “throughout the fall.”
Other coaches associated with being Southgate’s replacement include Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola dismissed rumors linking him to the England job, saying Friday he is content at City.
