Lee Carsley ‘rules himself out of permanent job in England’ as real ambitions emerge | Football | Sport

Lee Carsley has reportedly ruled himself out of the race to take over from Gareth Southgate as England’s full-time manager.

Carsley was given the job on an interim basis after Southgate resigned following England’s heartbreaking final defeat to Spain in Euro 2024.

It was announced that Carsley would take charge of the remaining three international sides this year as the FA continued the search for Southgate’s permanent successor.

Such was the positive reaction to Carsley’s first two games in charge – a pair of 2-0 wins against Ireland and Finland – and speculation around the ex-Birmingham City boss taking over the job full-time began to grow.

But Carsley appears to have ruled himself out of contention to become England’s next manager, according to The Telegraph.

Instead, it is claimed that the former Republic of Ireland international is keen to focus on perfecting his coaching craft.

It comes after a candid revelation from Carsley following England’s embarrassing 2-1 defeat at home to Greece last week, revealing he ‘hopes to return to the under-21s’ following his spell as interim manager.

Commenting after the Wembley loss, Carsley said: “I was quite surprised after the last camp in terms of mine job, it’s my job to lose and everything else.”

“My assignment has been clear. I will do three camps, there are three games left and then hopefully I will go back to the 21s. It has had almost no impact.”

Whether the FA would have offered Carsley the permanent role is unknown, but it appears they have already achieved their primary goal anyway.

Reports from Germany claim that talks have been held with former Chelsea and Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel over the possibility of taking over from Carsley in the new year.

The former Champions League winner has been out of work since quitting his job at the Allianz Arena last summer and is said to be interested in the Three Lions hotseat.

England’s leaders could face a battle to convince Tuchel the job is the right one for him, with the German having been linked with Manchester United in the past.

It is suggested that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS held their own talks with Tuchel in the summer, with pressure on incumbent manager Erik ten Hag continuing to mount by the week.

Other candidates for the England job include Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, who is currently out of contract with the Premier League champions at the end of the season.

As well as the English duo Graham Potter and Eddie Howe, both of whom have had successful spells in the Premier League.

Carsley and England return to Nations League action on Sunday evening when they take on Finland in Helsinki.