Lee Carsley has been named the interim manager of the England men’s football team following Gareth Southgate’s departure after England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain. Carsley, the former England Under-21 coach, will step into the role immediately and lead the team in upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
In a statement, Carsley expressed his honor at taking on the role, stating, “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.”
Carsley, who will name his first England squad on August 29, is well-known within the FA and has worked closely with many of the senior players during his time with the U21s. FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham praised Carsley as a “fantastic coach,” noting his success with the U21s, including leading them to victory in the 2023 U21 European Championship.
Carsley’s appointment echoes Southgate’s own rise to the senior team in 2016, as both were promoted from the U21s following sudden departures of their predecessors. The FA has indicated that Carsley will remain in charge during the ongoing recruitment process for a permanent head coach.
Former Lincoln centre-back Ben Futcher will take over the England Under-21s for their September fixtures.
