Lee Carsley Appointed As Interim Coach Of The England National Team For The Nations League Campaign

Lee Carsley has been appointed interim coach of the England National Team (photo: x @EnglandOnOurWay)

JAKARTA - Lee Carsley has been appointed as the England international interim coach ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign which kicks off next month. This was announced by the English Football Association (FA) on Friday, August 9.

Carsley has been the manager of the England U-21 national team since 2021 and has managed to bring the team to the European Under-21 Champion title in 2023. The FA states that Carsley will lead the England team for matches in September, with the possibility of continuing to hold the position throughout the fall as they continue their search for permanent managers.

He took over senior side after Gareth Southgate stepped down last month, after nearly eight years as manager, following England's 2024 Euro final defeat to Spain.

"It's an honor for me to step up to this position and lead the England team as interim coaches," Carsley said in a statement. Because I'm already very familiar with the players and international football cycles, it makes sense for me to guide the team while the FA continues the recruitment process of the new manager."

Carsley's first game as coach will take place on September 7 against Ireland, a country he has defended 40 times thanks to his lineage from his grandmother.

Lee is a fantastic coach who has been known to most of our current senior squad, as he has worked with many players both at international and club levels, said FA CEO Mark Bullingham. He offers a very strong interim solution and we are sure he will perform well in the upcoming UEFA League games.

In addition to fighting Ireland, England will also face Finland at home in September. Carsley's job is to start the Nations League campaign strong, where Britain will seek to win promotions back to League A in a group that is also filled by Greece.

Carsley's coaching career began at Coventry City, where he ended his playing career, with twice serving as interim coach. He then managed Brentford before undergoing a brief period as interim coach at Birmingham City.