Lee Carsley has revealed that he has not formally applied to become England manager on a permanent basis, but does not want to “oversize” his role as interim boss.
The Football Association turned to the 50-year-old for the autumn Nations League games after Gareth Southgate called time on his reign following July’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
Carsley has often sidestepped questions about whether he wants to become England manager full-time, including saying he would “hopefully” return to his role with the Under-21s.
After Thursday’s 2-1 defeat by Greece, the former midfielder deflected further questions about whether he wanted the top job and was further investigated ahead of Sunday’s clash in Finland.
Asked if he had applied for the job, Carsley said talkSPORT:“No, I haven’t officially applied for it.”
Reflecting on why he did not apply, Carsley said:
“I’m an employee of the FA and I was asked to take over the senior team, which is a privilege, it was the proudest moment of my career.
“I’m in a really lucky position because I’m on the inside and I see how much potential this team has. This is one of the best things in world football.
“There aren’t many jobs where you have a chance to win. I think the manager who comes in has a really good chance of winning and we deserve the best there is.”
Is Carsley up to the job?
The 2-1 defeat by Greece raised questions about whether England caretaker manager Carsley is fit to take on the full-time job.
Carsley sounded the changes to Greece’s game, fielding a host of attacking midfielders but without a recognized number nine.
Evangelis Pavlidis celebrates Greece’s first goal against England by showing off his black armband in memory of the late George Baldock
The result was an unbalanced side, which Greece overcame with ease, deservedly beating England at Wembley to secure a historic result for the visitors.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s Nations League game with Finland, Carsley appeared to play down his chances of becoming England’s next permanent manager, saying he wanted to give his “best shot” in his interim management.
“I think the reaction (to the loss to Greece) is fair enough. People’s opinions should be respected. We didn’t perform as well as we can on the night and I would expect a response (on Sunday) night (against Finland). ), said Carsley.
“I think that’s something I’ll look at in maybe two or three months and, you know, be better for it.
“I wanted to give this job the best for the three camps we talked about. I didn’t want to regret it.
“It’s important that we try something different every now and then. I think I’ll be a better coach for it.”
Analysis: Carsley accepts the position check
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports’ Tim Thornton has responded to reports that interim boss Lee Carsley “doesn’t want the full-time England job”.
Analysis from Sky Sports News senior reporter Tim Thornton, following a report that England squad members are convinced Lee Carsley does not want to replace Gareth Southgate on a full-time basis;
“Let’s not forget that this is a secret process to find a successor to Gareth Southgate.
“The position of the FA during this process is that they do not comment, it is a confidential process, and we do not expect that position to change.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sky Sports’ Tim Thornton and Ron Walker reflect on England’s 2-1 defeat by Greece and what it could mean for Lee Carsley’s future in the role.
“There has been a very thorough investigation into Lee Carsley over the last few days.
“There has been scrutiny over his team selection, his tactics, his press conferences as well and on Saturday he said fair enough, I accept the scrutiny, it’s part of the job. And he admitted that some of it was fair.”
Carsley said he would take a more traditional approach against Finland and a return to a more standard system likely means captain Harry Kane will lead his 100th game a month later with two goals in a 2-0 win over Finland at Wembley.
Jack Grealish is also available to join the England captain after scoring a brace in Greece’s defeat, but Bukayo Saka and Curtis Jones left camp ahead of the trip to Finland.
“We trained yesterday too, so Harry and Jack both had a session,” Carsley said.
“We are in a good position. I think it’s important that we refresh the team a little bit, but yes, we’re confident that we’re in a good place.”
A sell-out crowd is expected at the Olympiastadion as England visit Finland for the first time since caretaker manager Howard Wilkinson oversaw a 0-0 draw in Helsinki 24 years ago.
What’s next?
England’s Nations League campaign continues against Finland on Sunday, October 13; start at 17:00.
