Lee Carsley ‘makes final decision’ on becoming England manager

Lee Carsley has reportedly revealed his feelings about becoming England’s manager full-time.

The 50-year-old was appointed interim manager in July following Gareth Southgate’s departure.

Carsley got off to a winning start during the last international break, with England running out 2-0 winners over the Republic of Ireland and 2-0 victors against Finland.

A 2-1 defeat to Greece at Wembley on Thursday has dampened the mood around St. George’s Park and Carsley admitted in his post-match press conference that he’s keen to return to his role as Under-21s manager.

Carsley doubled down on those claims ahead of Sunday’s clash with Finland.

“Hopefully I’ll be going back to the Under-21s,” he said.

“Hopefully is a word and a phrase I use quite a bit. There’s obviously no guarantees in life, including tomorrow.

“It’s a job, the Under-21s, that I’m really proud of and massively invested in. But I know there’s no guarantees. But the plan is to give this job for three camps the best I can do along with the rest of the staff and hopefully we can be in a good position.

“I wanted to give this job my best shot for three camps. I didn’t want to have any regrets. I think it’s important that we do try something different at times and I think I’ll be a better coach for that, but I think we’ll be a bit more conventional tomorrow night.”

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Per Telegraph Sport, Carsley has left members of the England set-up ‘convinced’ he does not want to succeed Southgate.

An official decision is yet to be communicated, but there is a growing acceptance within the FA that they’ll have to look externally.

It’s claimed Carsley’s attitude towards the job had become ‘more negative’ in the build-up to the Greece game.

Among the leading external candidates are Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe in addition to Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter.

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German publication BILD claimed on Friday that Tuchel had already entered negotiations with Three Lions chiefs.

Tuchel has been out of work since leaving Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich earlier this year.

He’s also been linked with Manchester United as pressure continues to build on Erik ten Hag.