Next England manager: Lee Carsley drops huge hint who will be in charge of Three Lions long term
INTERIM Three Lions boss Lee Carsley has appeared to hint at his long-term plans for the role.
The 50-year-old named his England squad on Thursday for the upcoming international break.
Carsley was appointed as caretaker boss following the departure of Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024.
The former Everton midfielder has taken charge of England’s under-21 squad for the last three years.
In August, the FA confirmed he was placed in charge “with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn.”
But England’s strategy beyond that currently remains unclear, with Carsley the firm bookies favourite.
Carsley faced the press on Thursday after naming his 25-man squad for games against Greece and Finland.
He claimed he didn’t want the group to be a “copy and paste” from August, instead taking the chance to “look at other players.”
Carsley said: “I want the to feel like they’ve earned their place in the squad.
“I’ve spoken to all the players that aren’t involved and have had good conversations with them.”
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Appearing to hint at being involved going forward, he added: “People want to know where they stand long term.
“And I’ve made it clear that this is a short-term decision by myself.”
Later in the presser, Carsley opened up on the Three Lions managerial situation.
He continued: “It’s really clear what my remit is.
“To take these three camps in the Nations League, which is something I’m really comfortable doing. I’m totally happy with that.
“My situation hasn’t changed and I’m really looking forward to this camp now.
“It was a real challenge, picking the squad, the players that we’ve had to leave out. That’s a big enough challenge without worrying about [managerial] candidates and the rest of it.”
Man Utd’s Harry Maguire was one of the players to miss out in Carsley’s squad.
Again appearing to hint at a longer-term outlook, Carsley continued: “[Harry] was very positive in the conversation we had.
“We’ve got some really good centre-backs that I’m keen to see play and I’m wary about bringing players away that are really experienced and potentially aren’t going to play much.
“Harry’s still got a really important part to play in the upcoming campaign.”
England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day... but he's not the Three Lions' star man
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.
Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.
SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…
Jordan Pickford – 6
Had nothing to do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9
England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.
He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.
Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.
John Stones – 6
Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.
Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.
Rico Lewis – 7
In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.
Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.
Declan Rice – 5
Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.
Angel Gomes – 7
Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.
Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.
Jack Grealish – 7
Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.
Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.
But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.
Harry Kane – 8
Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.
Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.
Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.
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Levi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6
Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.
Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6
Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.
Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7
Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.
Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6
As with Colwill, little to do.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6
Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.
Elsewhere in the squad, Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke has been called-up for the first time in seven years.
Levi Colwill, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Noni Madueke are all included after working with Carsley in the under-21 setup.
But Spurs midfielder James Maddison, Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze and West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen all miss out.