October 14th 2024.
Lee Carsley has been at the helm of the English national team for four matches now, leading them to three wins and a single defeat in the Nations League. However, his performance as interim manager has caused quite a stir among fans and experts alike, with opinions divided on whether he should be given the permanent role.
Stepping in after Gareth Southgate's departure following England's second-place finish at Euro 2024, Carsley was originally only intended to hold the position temporarily while the Football Association searched for a permanent replacement. But with back-to-back victories over the Republic of Ireland and Finland, some are calling for Carsley to be given the job permanently.
However, a shocking 2-1 defeat to Greece has brought criticism upon Carsley, particularly for his decision to not play a recognized striker in an experimental starting lineup. After the win against Finland, Carsley even admitted that he may not be the "world-class" coach that the team needs going forward. He stated that his bosses have made it clear that they are looking for a coach with a proven track record and trophies under their belt, and he is still on the path to achieving that.
Despite being the bookies' favorite for the permanent role, Carsley has not formally applied for the position as he is already an FA employee. It remains to be seen if he will be given the responsibility in the long-term. As rumors and speculation continue to swirl, names like Thomas Tuchel, Pep Guardiola, Graham Potter, and Eddie Howe have all been linked to the role.
At the moment, Carsley is second on the list of favorites for the job according to Betfair's odds. The top spot is held by Tuchel, who impressed during the latest round of international fixtures. But with Carsley's chances looking unlikely, big names like Guardiola and Potter have emerged as alternatives.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has even encouraged the FA to "go after Pep" following England's win over Finland. However, Guardiola has repeatedly denied any interest in the role and has not ruled out extending his contract with Manchester City. Similarly, Jurgen Klopp's name has been thrown into the mix, but he has categorically ruled himself out of the running, stating that he has no current plans to leave his current club.
As the search for Southgate's successor continues, one thing is for sure: the competition for the job is high, and Carsley's mixed audition has left the FA with a difficult decision to make. Until then, speculation will continue to run rampant, and fans will eagerly await the official announcement.
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