Reports from several English media outlets suggest that Lee Carsley will assume the temporary managerial role for England’s upcoming Nations League face-off with Ireland. Currently heading the England U21 team, Carsley successfully led the squad to victory in the previous year’s European Championship.
Carsley once received an offer to manage the Irish team, being the top candidate for the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). However, Heimir Hallgrímsson of Iceland took up the reins instead when Carsley declined the post. The debut game for Hallgrímsson in his new role will be against Carsley’s team and is slated for September 7th at Aviva Stadium.
While Carsley admitted to discussions with the FAI over the Irish management role in November, the conversation, despite being cordial and enlightening, didn’t evolve into a firm offer. He explained that while the conversation gave him an insight into the FAI’s plans and allowed him to contemplate taking the next step, it didn’t go beyond that stage.
The decision to have Carsley assume temporary charge follows Gareth Southgate’s resignation, which occurred two days post England’s defeat against Spain in the European Championship final. The FA intends to give Carsley this provisional position as they painstakingly assess a pool of potential successors.