England appoint under-21’s coach Lee Carsley as Gareth Southgate’s interim replacement

by Mick the Ram

England have made a somewhat surprising decision to appoint Lee Carsely as interim manager, replacing Gareth Southgate who left the job following the country’s defeat in the final of the Euro’s at the hands of Spain.

The 50-year-old steps up from his role as Under-21’s boss, just as his predecessor had done before him.

A former Derby County, Everton and Blackburn Rovers player, Carsley was born in Birmingham, but actually represented the Republic of Ireland courtesy of his Irish grandmother.

Carsley’s credibility was raised considerably after he led the young England side to glory in the European Under-21 Championship, with a well-deserved victory over Spain, in the summer of 2023.

It is understood that he is unlikely to secure the position on a permanent basis and his appointment has been made to buy the Football Association (FA) some valuable time as they look to choose their ideal candidate.

However, much the same was said of Southgate when he walked into the post and he stayed for eight years and four tournaments!

Ironically, his first game in charge will come against Ireland in a Nations League fixture in September, as England attempt to secure promotion after a disappointing set of results the last time around.

Huge role

With the important matter of World Cup qualifying to get through, beginning early next year, the FA know they need to get their full-time appointment right, and who is to say it cannot be Lee Carsely?

Names such as Mauricio Pochettino, Graham Potter and Eddie Howe have been mentioned, as was ex-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp – although he has since ruled himself out of contention.

Well known in football circles

Carsley’s elevation from a virtual unknown to one of football’s most high-profile positions will certainly raise a few eyebrows, but he fits the mould of the FA type of individual.

He will now lead England in Nations League matches next month against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, with FA chief executive, Mark Bullingham saying that he will remain in the position “while the recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues.”

He added: “Lee is a fantastic coach who is well known to the majority of our current senior squad having worked with most at international or club level.”

Played for big clubs such as Derby and Everton

There will be many who will ask: “Lee who?”

He joined Derby County as a youth player and quickly forced his way into the first-team picture, initially in a right-back role. He featured prominently as The Rams clinched promotion to the Premier League and he then re-invented himself as a defensive midfielder, flourishing in a side playing outstanding football before being snapped up by Blackburn Rovers, for a fee in excess of £3m.

He later moved on to Coventry City and then Everton, for whom he made the most appearances.

40 caps thanks to grandmother

Although Birmingham-born, Carsley qualified to play for the Republic of Ireland via his County Cork born grandmother, and won 40 caps over an 11-year period.

On retiring he moved into coaching an held roles at several clubs including: Coventry, Sheffield United, Birmingham City, and Manchester City.

Great success with the youngsters

In July 2021 he was handed the reigns of the National team’s Under 21’s  and has enjoyed great success, culminating in a famous 1-0 triumph over the Spanish, to lift their first title since 1984.

In that side were the likes of: Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon who were promoted to the senior squad, with Palmer scoring in the recent Euro’s final, also against Spain.

Turned down the Irish offer

Carlsey turned down an offer to manage the Republic of Ireland national team in March, but said in a statement: “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.”

He added that his main priority would be to ensure continuity and help to achieve promotion in the UEFA Nations League.