Lee Carsley has confirmed that he is ‘up for’ becoming the England manager on a permanent basis after a good start to his interim spell.
The FA appointed Carsley as England interim manager for the six Nations League games this autumn as they continue the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor.
The 50-year-old is one of the coaches under consideration for the role following his impressive work with the U21s side and he is effectively now auditioning for the full-time job.
Said audition is going well so far thanks to 2-0 wins over the Republic of Ireland and Finland, with a clear attacking identity already established.
However, following the victory over Finland at Wembley on Tuesday, Carsley admitted he hadn’t felt ‘comfortable’ in the role so far.
And with the Football Association still very much looking at alternative managerial options, there is still a good chance that he won’t be appointed permanent Three Lions boss despite being the clear frontrunner.
But Carsley has now cleared up his stance on taking the job full-time, saying: ‘Am I up for it? It is more about football, definitely.
‘Am I up for it? I think I am up for it.
‘I’m very grounded in terms of the most important part of this job which, for me, is the football. Making sure we create a good environment for the players to perform in. I can’t see that being any different.’
Whoever is appointed will have the task of ending 58 years of hurt and winning a trophy with England after Southgate came so agonisingly close at the last two European championships.
Given the team’s win-less run, some have labelled the manager’s gig the ‘impossible job’ but Carsley disagrees with that label.
He added: ‘I’ve not heard that one, no. I think it’s a really good job, it’s a job where, when you look at different opportunities, the first thing you think is: “Can you win?”
‘Can you be in a position where you can win? This job definitely ticks that box. We’ve got the players to be really, not only be competitive, but to win a major trophy.’
As well as Carsley, the FA are also looking at Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Frank Lampard, while Pep Guardiola remains the dream appointment.
For now, Carsley will begin preparations for the next international break in October when England will face Greece at home and Finland away.
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