Lee Carsley has insisted England’s shock home defeat to Greece in the UEFA Nations League will not affect his chances of being the team’s permanent manager.
The interim boss fell short of confirming that he wants the England job on a full-time basis in a confusing post-match press conference after watching his risky attacking gamble backfire.
While serving as interim boss, the U-21 coach was primed to succeed his predecessor Gareth Southgate permanently but his chances have been dented with the result against Greece.
He named a team crammed with attackers: Bukayo Saka, Anthony Gordon, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Bellingham – deployed as a false nine – all included in a move that served to excite the fans.
But England were booed off at full-time as his flamboyant and boisterous tactics backfired with a defeat.
Benfica forward Vangelis Pavlidis was a thorn in the flesh of the hosts. After a barren first half, Pavlidis scored a few minutes after the restart to fire Greece into the lead.
Trailing by a lone goal, Carsley made a series of substitutions to change the trajectory of the game. Bukayo Saka was out for Noni Madueke with Anthony Gordon whisked out for Ollie Watkins.
The subtle changes seemed to have balanced the game for the hosts with a more efficient attack and great intensity when charging forward.
However, it was still a deadlock. In the 72nd minute, Lee Carsley further whisked out Phil Foden for Dominic Solanke as Greece raced close to the finish line.
Three minutes before the regulation time, Jude Bellingham saved the hosts with the equalizer. After Bellingham’s goal, it was thought the Three Lions would proceed on a comeback but the reverse was the case.
Vangelis Pavlidis scored again deep into added time to condemn the home side to a shock defeat – their first in the group.
Lee Carsley reacts to the shock defeat
When asked whether the defeat would impact his ambitions of being named permanent boss, Carsley refused to assert himself in the race to succeed Gareth Southgate despite being the favourite to take over the role.
He made it clear that he hasn’t lost touch with his mission – to see the team through in the next three games and take a bow.
“I was quite surprised after the last camp in terms of people saying the job is mine and it is mine to lose and the rest of it (after beating Ireland and Finland).
”My remit has been clear from the start. I am doing three camps, there are three games left and then hopefully I will be going back to the U21s.
Carsley added that the outcome of the game against Greece is immaterial to his ambitions as per the national team. According to him, despite the loss he can’t say he is in or out of the race, adding that he is comfortable in his role as interim manager.
”It (the defeat) has no impact. I said at the start I would not rule myself in or out and that is still the case.”
”I am more than comfortable in my position where I am. After the first camp, I definitely didn’t get too excited or believe too much.
However, Carsley did not undermine the coaching role in the England national team as it gives one the chance to compete in major competitions.
”I know this job is one of the best jobs in the world because you actually have a chance of winning in terms of major competitions and that is still the case.”
When asked to clarify whether he wanted the job or not he still fell short of providing a straight answer.
“I can’t say, ” he responded.
Lee Carsley will have a chance to return England to winning ways when the team take on Scotland in the next fixture on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
Lee Carsley’s chances of becoming England national team head coach
Analysts believe Carsley suffered a dent in his chance of becoming England’s permanent head coach after the shock defeat to Greece.
However, he is still the frontline option for the English FA following his impressive start to the 2024 UEFA Nations League.
The loss against Greece is his first after he secured back-to-back UEFA Nations League group stage victories over Northern Ireland and Finland.
He still stands a chance of securing the role permanently should he improve in his remaining three fixtures.
