FA confirm Lee Carsley role after Thomas Tuchel announced as new boss

There was talk that Lee Carsley could become England's permanent manager (Image: Getty)

The FA have announced that Lee Carsley will return to his role with England Under-21s after Thomas Tuchel was confirmed as first-team manager.

The 50-year-old has operated as interim manager since Gareth Southgate stepped down as Three Lions boss after Euro 2024.

He has performed well in the role and was widely cited as an option to take the job on a full-time basis, with his three wins in four matches in charge justifying those claims. However, Carsley played down speculation on several occasions.

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FA CEO Mark Bullingham has now thanked Carsley for stepping up in recent months and confirmed that he will return to his duties as U21 manager.

He said: "I would like to thank Lee for stepping up and doing everything we asked of him – he is a very talented coach and a major part of our England pathway. He will now focus on retaining the U21 EURO title in the summer.”

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Carsley leaned on several players who he worked with at U21 level whilst interim manager, with Angel Gomes, Tino Livramento and Noni Madueke among those to be handed their first call-ups. Levi Colwill also made his first Three Lions start under his former boss.

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Thomas Tuchel has signed an 18-month contract with England (Image: Getty)

Speaking about claims that he was in the running to become England manager permanently, Carsley conceded that he may not have the reputation required to truly be in the running given the significance of the position.

He said: “The point I was trying to make is that it is one of the top jobs in the world. I'm not part of the process but it deserves a top coach. The players we have available, we've got a real chance of winning. That was the point I was making. It was the fact that this is a world-class job.

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Lee Carsley will return to his role with the England U21s (Image: Getty)

"This will be up there with the best jobs in football. Whoever gets it is going to be at a high level. It is a privilege to do this job and I feel really well trusted. That's why it was so tough the other night to lose the game and have a defeat. The response has been good."  

Tuchel will not take charge of England until 1 January 2025, with Carsley set to remain as interim until the Nations League group stage concludes next month.