England manager search: Lee Carsley sends mixed messages over permanent job

England interim boss Lee Carsley has refused to rule himself out of the running for the permanent manager's job.

Carsley was appointed in temporary charge in September after Gareth Southgate left his position following the Euro 2024 final.

The 50-year-old won his first two games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the September international window, but the feel-good feeling dissipated with a 2-1 defeat in Thursday's home clash with Greece.

Carsley admitted after the game that he would "hopefully" return to his position as England's Under-21 boss once he has completed his work with the senior side.

The temporary manager made another admission after overseeing Sunday's 3-1 win over Finland in Helsinki, suggesting England need to recruit a "world-class" manager who has a history of winning silverware.

Carlsey reluctant to rule himself out of contention

While Carsley has indicated that he is not too keen on the permanent job, he is still reluctant to officially rule himself out of contention.

Speaking to reporters after Sunday's victory, Carsley was asked whether his previous comments meant that he was taking himself out of the running for the permanent manager's position.

"Definitely not," Carsley replied. "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. 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."

Carsley keen to "keep an open mind" over permanent job

Carsley admitted that his previous experience of working as a caretaker manager at Brentford, Birmingham City and Coventry City has influenced his decision to not state publicly whether he wants the job on a permanent basis.

"I'm definitely reluctant because in the past when I have done this caretaker or interim role I have gone so far down the 'I don't want the job', I've actually not done the job," Carsley added.

"It was one of the things I spoke about when I was asked to take temporary charge - it's important that I keep an open mind because in that case, then I'm not being reckless with my decisions. I'm thinking thoroughly about how the team should play, the squad I should pick - which is a challenge."

Carsley's final two games of his interim tenure will take place next month when England wrap up League B with an away game against Greece and a home meeting with Ireland.

Having taken nine points from four games, the Three Lions are currently sitting in second place and three points adrift of Group B2 leaders Greece.