Lee Carsley will take charge of the England men’s team for the start of its UEFA Nations League campaign while the Football Association searches for Gareth Southgate’s successor.
The coach is stepping up from his role as England Under-21 boss. Birmingham-born Carsley will open his interim spell in September against the Republic of Ireland – the nation he represented 40 times during his playing career – and Finland. The 50-year-old is set to remain at the helm for October’s Nations League fixtures.
Southgate resigned as England head coach two days after his side’s defeat to Spain in July’s Euro 2024 final.
“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,” Carsley said in a statement, adding that it’s an “honor” to take the job.
Carsley guided the Young Lions to silverware in the European Under-21 Championship in 2023, marking the program’s first success in the tournament since 1984. He’s held various positions in England’s development teams in addition to his experience in the coaching setups of Coventry City, Sheffield United, Manchester City, and Birmingham City.
He’ll be immediately tasked with securing promotion from the Nations League’s second rung after England was relegated under Southgate in September 2022. The Three Lions are in Group 2 of League B with Finland, Greece, and Ireland.
Carsley is among the betting favorites to land the full-time job as England manager, alongside former Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea boss Graham Potter, Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe, and reported United States men’s national team target Mauricio Pochettino.
