Lee Carsley is set to become England’s interim manager for the upcoming Nations League games, replacing Gareth Southgate. Carsley, who currently manages the England Under-21s, will be in charge for the matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. He will be joined by former England left-back Ashley Cole on his coaching staff. Carsley’s appointment comes after his success in leading the U21s to European Championship glory last year. He will follow in the footsteps of Southgate, Howard Wilkinson, and Stuart Pearce in managing both the junior and senior teams.
While Carsley is the interim manager, there is speculation about who will be appointed as the permanent manager. The bookmakers’ favorite is Graham Potter, but Eddie Howe is also a serious contender. Other potential candidates include Thomas Tuchel, the former Chelsea manager, and Mauricio Pochettino. Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna has also emerged as a candidate, having achieved back-to-back promotions at Portman Road.
The Football Association (FA) has an “open mind” about whether the next manager should be English, which could increase the chances of someone like Pochettino or another former Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard. The current manager of the England women’s team, Sarina Wiegmann, has also been mentioned as a potential candidate. However, it is worth noting that Lampard and Gerrard, who have both been successful as club managers, could be overlooked due to previous failures.
Carsley’s appointment as interim manager has helped him become the bookmakers’ favorite for the permanent role. His success with the U21s and his experience as a coach with various clubs, including Manchester City and Birmingham, make him a strong contender. Carsley had a successful playing career, representing clubs such as Everton and Birmingham, and earning 40 caps for the Republic of Ireland.
In terms of Southgate’s record compared to potential replacement Thomas Tuchel, Tuchel has achieved success with clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea, winning multiple titles. Southgate, on the other hand, has had success with the England U21s, winning the Toulon tournament, and has achieved a win percentage of nearly 60% as manager of the senior team.
The FA has not commented on potential candidates or plans for the upcoming matches. However, chief executive Mark Bullingham has stated that an interim solution is in place if needed. The search for Southgate’s replacement has been the subject of much speculation, with Eddie Howe and Graham Potter seen as the frontrunners. However, former players such as Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have also been touted as potential candidates.
Ultimately, the decision on the next England manager will be a crucial one. The manager will need to have the respect of the players and be able to handle the pressures of international football. Carsley’s appointment as interim manager will give him the opportunity to showcase his abilities, but the permanent role remains up for grabs.