Interim England manager Lee Carsley has disclosed that he has not applied for the permanent job, despite taking over the reins in the wake of Gareth Southgate’s departure following defeat in this summer’s Euro 2024 final against Spain. Carsley, who had been coaching England’s Under-21s, took over as interim boss in August and oversaw senior victories against Ireland and Finland in September. Thursday’s 2-1 Nations League defeat at Wembley against Greece has thrown his future into further doubt.
Ahead of Sunday’s rematch with Finland, Carsley has revealed that he didn’t actually apply for the senior job. “I’m really happy with my role in the Under-21s. I was asked to take the senior team, and it’s been the proudest moment of my career,” he told talkSPORT.
Despite speculation about his future, Carsley insisted he’s focused solely on the upcoming games and was not viewing his temporary role as an audition. “I see it as doing my best for the team over these three camps,” he said.
The Football Association was quick to post the vacancy, left by the now-former head coach of England, but Carsley has once again insisted that he is not concerned about his long-term position and instead prepares the team to regain form in the Nations League.
