England lost 2-1 at home to Greece on Thursday, and interim boss Lee Carsley has revealed he plans to leave this temporary role soon.
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England lose first game under CarsleyTook over as interim boss this summer50-year-old 'hopeful' of return to U21 roleFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
England appointed Lee Carsley as interim manager after Gareth Southgate's resignation at the end of Euro 2024. The FA promoted him from his role as manager of the under-21s until a permanent successor to Southgate was found.
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Carsely started his tenure as senior boss off with a bang as he led England to two straight 2-0 wins in the Nations League against the Republic of Ireland and Finland. As such, a number of fans had started feeling that the 50-year-old could be the right man to lead the Three Lions in the long-term. However, after suffering his first defeat against Greece, Carsley admitted he is "hopeful" that he can return to the U21 setup soon.
Getty Images SportWHAT CARSLEY SAID
Speaking to the media after Thursday's defeat, Carsley said: "I was quite surprised after the last camp in terms of the job's mine and it's mine to lose and all the rest of it. My remit has been clear. I'm doing three camps, there are three games left and then hopefully I'll be going back to the 21s. It's had almost no impact.
"I said at the start I wouldn't rule myself in or out. That's still the case. I'm more than comfortable in my position, where I am. The remit was clear. I'm comfortable and confident with that. After the first camp I didn't get too excited or believe too much. I'm very aware that this job is one of the best jobs in the world.
"Nothing's changed. My remit was to do the three camps and then to hand over. Nothing's changed in what I said in the first press conference. It's a fantastic job. I'm lucky I've got a good job as it is in the 21s. But after the first camp when we won two games and had two good performances nothing changed. It's important that I give it everything I've got for the next three games. I'm really happy and comfortable with the communication I have with my bosses. Nothing's changed in that respect."
WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?
England will next take on Finland in Helsinki on Sunday, October 13 as they look to bounce back from defeat. The Three Lions will then return for Carsley's supposed final camp in mid-November.