Lee Carsley named interim England manager as he succeeds Gareth Southgate after incredible eight-year reign

LEE CARSLEY has been appointed as interim England head coach.

The former England U21 boss has been brought in to replace Gareth Southgate following his exit this summer.

1

A statement from the FA confirmed the news.

It read: "Lee Carsley has been appointed interim head coach of England senior men ahead of the start of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League campaign.

"Carsley will step up from his role in charge of the Men's U21s, 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."

Carsley 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.”

As a coach, Carsley has worked with Coventry City, Brentford, Manchester City, Birmingham and England U21s - winning the Euros in 2023.

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

During his playing career, Carsley was at Derby, Blackburn, Coventry, Everton and Birmingham.

He retired with Coventry but made his name as a talented midfielder during his six seasons with Everton.

He also won 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland before retiring in 2011.

Carsley joined the England youth setup as a specialist coach in 2015, before being appointed head coach of England U20 in 2020 .

He was then promoted to England U21 in 2021 and lead them to victory in the European Championship in 2023, their first title in the competition since 1984.

Carsley is expected be joined by England, Arsenal and Chelsea legend Ashley Cole to be part of his coaching staff.

Carsley isn't the first England boss to take the job after managing the junior teams earlier in their career.

In fact follows in the footsteps of Southgate, Howard Wilkinson and Stuart Pearce, who have all done the same.

England are still searching for a permanent boss, but should Carsley impress in his stint as interim gaffer then he could be offered the role in the same way Southgate was at the beginning of his tenure.

Away from Carsley it's understood that Newcastle chief Eddie Howe and fellow Englishman Graham Potter are contenders for the permanent job, along with German ex-Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel.

Last month we revaled that Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has emerged as another candidate after back-to-back promotions at Portman Road.

FA technical director John McDermott is drawing up the shortlist to replace Southgate.

And he worked with Northern Irishman McKennam 38 when he was a youth coach at Tottenham.

McDermott was Spurs' head of coaching and development and he is a huge fan of what McKenna has achieved

MORE TO FOLLOW...

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.