The FA has reportedly had no communication with notable candidates such as Jurgen Klopp, Graham Potter, Eddie Howe, or Thomas Tuchel in its search for a new England manager. This development significantly increases the likelihood of interim head coach Lee Carsley being appointed on a permanent basis.
Despite speculation placing Klopp, Potter, Howe, and Tuchel at the top of the shortlist following Gareth Southgate’s departure, no approaches have been made to these coaches, even with three of them currently unemployed. Howe is the only one currently in a coaching role, but it appears the FA has not sought contact with Newcastle regarding his availability.
This news boosts Carsley’s chances of securing the England position long-term, especially after he was entrusted to lead the team for the upcoming autumn internationals.
Since Southgate’s resignation on July 16, the FA has expressed its intent to expedite the appointment of a new manager, emphasizing the urgency for the UEFA Nations League campaign that began in September. Carsley, who previously managed the U21s, stepped in as interim manager and has impressively guided England to consecutive 2-0 victories against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Carsley’s ability to handle criticism, particularly during a media frenzy over his stance on not singing the national anthem, has further solidified his candidacy. While some media outlets called for his dismissal before his initial match, Carsley maintained a composed demeanor, explaining his past as a player who similarly did not sing the Irish national anthem.
The exclusion of high-profile figures like Klopp, Potter, Howe, and Tuchel from the FA’s candidate pool comes as a surprise, given the significance of the England managerial role.
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham and technical director John McDermott have been assessing potential candidates, yet the absence of interviews with such renowned coaches raises questions about the thoroughness of the search for Southgate’s successor.
Details about other candidates who may have pursued the role or engaged in preliminary discussions before the August 2 deadline remain unclear.
The FA’s advertisement for the managerial position stated the search involves a “highly targeted process” and that the chosen candidate would need substantial experience in English football, coupled with a strong record in the Premier League or international competitions.
The FA has chosen not to comment on this matter, reaffirming its commitment to confidentiality throughout the recruitment process.
The Impossible Job? Carsley Expresses Interest in Full-Time Role
Lee Carsley has publicly expressed his readiness to take on the permanent England manager position. Following successful outings against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, he emphasized his focus on fostering a positive environment for players, contending that the role is far from “the impossible job” it was once perceived to be.
Carsley stated, “I am up for it. I think I’m very grounded. The most important thing about this job is the football for me, making sure we create a good environment for the players to perform.” He highlighted the chemistry between new and experienced players as a significant positive from the recent camp.
As the term “the impossible job” has historically defined the England managerial role amid tabloid scrutiny, Carsley remarked, “It’s a really good job. We have the players to not only be competitive but to win a major trophy.”
Upcoming Nations League Fixtures
Thursday, October 10: England vs Greece – Kick-off 7:45 PM
Sunday, October 13: Finland vs England – Kick-off 5:00 PM
Thursday, November 14: Greece vs England – Kick-off 7:45 PM
Sunday, November 17: England vs Republic of Ireland – Kick-off 5:00 PM
