Lee Carsley says England job ‘deserves world-class coach that has won trophies’

Interim England manager Lee Carsley appears to have distanced himself further from taking on the role permanently after admitting the job “deserves a world-class coach that has won trophies”.

The 50-year-old’s suggestion after Thursday’s surprise defeat to Greece he will “hopefully” be returning to his role with the under-21s following next month’s fixtures was confusing.

And his admission before the 3-1 Nations League win over Finland that he did not formally apply for the vacancy before the August 2 deadline – he was appointed as temporary boss a week later – backed up his continued assertions he is focusing on getting the side through the three international breaks he was tasked with.

"This job deserves a World class coach who's won trophies...and I'm still on the path to doing that"

Has Lee Carsley effectively ruled himself out of the England running? ❌#ITVFootball | @gabrielclarke05 pic.twitter.com/QQz1JHzGNo

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) October 13, 2024

But after victory in Helsinki, Carsley gave further insight into how he sees the position by telling ITV 1: “My bosses have made it totally clear what they need from me.

“This job deserves a world-class coach that has won trophies and been there and done it – and I’m still on the path to doing that.

“I’ve not really thought that much about it. I keep saying the same thing – my remit was to do six games and I’m really happy with that.”

ITV pundit Roy Keane believes England should bide their time to see whether Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is available, saying: “The FA have to go for the best guy, whatever. Go for the best. Pep’s contract is up in the summer.”

Carsley was, at least, happy to get things back on track following the criticism he received after his