England have named Under-21s manager Lee Carsley as their interim head coach ahead of the start of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign.
Gareth Southgate stood down as manager of the Three Lions following Euro 2024, with the national side falling just short in the final of the competition against Spain.
There has been huge speculation surrounding Carsley in recent weeks, and it has now been confirmed that the England Under-21s manager will lead the senior side in the September UEFA Nations League fixtures against Republic of Ireland and Finland on September 7 and September 10 respectively.
"Lee Carsley has been appointed interim head coach of England senior men ahead of the start of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign," read an official statement from England.
"Carsley will step up from his role in charge of the MU21s, initially for September's fixtures away to Republic of Ireland and at home to Finland, but with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn while the FA's recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues."
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Carsley has taken charge of England on an interim basis
Carsley said in a statement: "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."
Meanwhile, CEO of the Football Association 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."
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Who are the favourites to replace Southgate on a permanent basis?
Carsley, who led England Under-21s to European Championship success last year, is very much in the running to take the job on a permanent basis, and it would certainly not be a surprise to see him confirmed as Southgate's replacement in the coming months.
The former midfielder represented Derby County, Blackburn Rovers, Coventry City, Everton and Birmingham City during his playing days, and he had coaching experience with Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham before becoming a part of the England set-up in 2020.
At the moment, his focus will be on the two September internationals against Republic of Ireland and Finland, with the Three Lions then playing twice in October against Greece and Finland.
Ex-Chelsea head coach Graham Potter and Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe are also in the running, and the same can also be said for Mauricio Pochettino.
Frank Lampard, Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola are seen as potential outsiders for the job, with Southgate deciding to walk away after an emotional European Championship.
Matt Law
