England have delayed hiring a permanent coach to replace Gareth Southgate and will be led by Lee Carsley, currently in charge of the country’s under-21 team, on an interim basis.
Carsley’s first games as coach of the senior team will be against Ireland and Finland in the Nations League in September.
Southgate left his position after eight years following England’s 2-1 loss to Spain in the European Championship final in July. Southgate also was promoted from the under-21s when getting the senior job in 2016.
Carsley, 50, who was born in England but played international soccer for Ireland, led England’s under-21 team to the European Championship title last year, beating Spain in the final.
He was previously coach of England’s under-20 team, after having brief spells in charge of Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham in English soccer’s lower leagues.
Carsley, who also played for Derby and Everton, said: “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.”
Football Association chief executive Mark Bullingham added: “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.”
Other coaches linked with being Southgate’s successor are Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola brushed off speculation linking him with the England job, saying on Friday that he is happy at the Premier League champions.
Source Agencies
