Unheralded Carsley thrust into spotlight as England front-runner

All that is about to change for the 50-year-old, who will take charge of at least two games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland next month with the possibility his stay could be extended.

England's upcoming campaign in the second tier of the Nations League offered little to excite players and fans alike on the back of missing out in a second-consecutive final of the European Championship.

Now it gives Carsley an audition at the top job after he did manage to win the Euros at under-21 level in 2023, ending England's 39-year wait to do so.

The timing plays to Carsley's advantage despite his lack of a stellar playing career or experience in senior managerial roles.

He is aiming to follow the path taken by Gareth Southgate, who was unexpectantly thrust into the hot seat from his role as under-21 boss eight years ago when Sam Allardyce was sacked due to off-field issues just one match into his short-lived tenure.

Southgate may have fallen short of ending England's 58-year wait to win a major tournament, but he transformed the Three Lions back into contenders again with runs to two Euros finals plus a World Cup semi-final and quarter-final.

In Southgate's final match in charge, England were beaten by a Spain side led by Luis de la Fuente, who had spent the previous decade working his way through the under-age ranks to the top job with La Roja.

Carsley brings that tournament experience and already has a rapport with many of those who will hope to shine for England at the 2026 World Cup.

Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon described Carsley as the "best man-manager I've had so far" after his starring role in winning player of the tournament at the under-21 Euros last year.

"Lee is an unbelievable manager and an unbelievable guy. He is ready to step up," said Liverpool's Harvey Elliott, who has been a regular at under-21 level over the past two years.

"Whenever I step on the pitch for England I just have freedom to enjoy my football. I feel like he is ready."

Opportunity of a lifetime

Had Carsley chosen differently he could have been sitting in the home dugout when Ireland host England on September 7.

An Irish international, who won 39 caps and played at the 2002 World Cup, Carsley was wanted back in Dublin to lead their national team.

Instead he decided to stay put, arousing suspicion he had been promised a shot at being Southgate's successor by the English Football Association (FA).

How Carsley handles the spotlight and expectation that comes with leading England will determine his readiness for the role.

During a 19-year playing career he racked up 282 Premier League appearances in spells with Derby, Blackburn, Coventry, Everton and Birmingham.

His best days came playing alongside Thomas Gravesen at Everton which led his former manager David Moyes to joke Real Madrid had signed the wrong bald midfielder when the Dane moved to the Spanish capital in 2005.

Carsley swiftly transitioned into coaching in the youth ranks at Coventry before beginning his journey with the England development teams in 2016.

During further coaching roles at Brentford and Birmingham he also held the fort as a caretaker manager but was overlooked as a permanent appointment.

Now he has the chance to make his mark and ensure that does not happen again with this, the opportunity of a lifetime.