Lee Carsley announced as interim England manager

Lee Carsley has been appointed as the interim manager of the England men's football team following Gareth Southgate's departure after the team's defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Carsley expressed his honor in taking on this role, emphasizing his familiarity with the players and the international football cycle. He aims to maintain continuity within the squad while the Football Association (FA) searches for a permanent manager, with a primary focus on achieving promotion in the UEFA Nations League. The 50-year-old Carsley will lead England in upcoming matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September. The FA has indicated that he will remain in this interim position until a new head coach is appointed. Carsley is set to announce his first England squad on August 29, marking a significant moment in his managerial career. A Birmingham native, Carsley previously represented Ireland as a player and has built a successful coaching career, notably leading England's Under-21 team to victory in the 2023 U21 European Championship. This triumph was particularly historic, as it was the first time in 39 years that the under-21s secured the European title. Carsley has been with the FA for four years, working with both the U20s and U21s, and has coached emerging talents like Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham praised Carsley as a fantastic coach, highlighting his strong rapport with the current senior squad. His appointment is seen as a solid interim solution, with confidence in his ability to guide the team through the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.