England deserve 'world-class coach who has won trophies', Lee Carsley says after win over Finland in UEFA Nations League

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Lee Carsley has said that he is “still on the path” to becoming the ideal candidate for the permanent England job, which he believes requires a "world-class" coach who has "won trophies, been there and done it". Carsley took charge of his fourth match during his spell as interim coach on Sunday, as the Three Lions bounced back from defeat to Greece earlier this week to overcome Finland.

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Lee Carsley has hinted that he is not prepared to take the England job permanently despite replacing Gareth Southgate on an interim basis.

The former Republic of Ireland midfielder took charge of his fourth Three Lions match on Sunday as England overcame Finland 3-1 in the UEFA Nations League.

Reports suggest that Carsley has not formally applied to take charge of England full-time, while he has also revealed his desire to return to the England U21 side once his interim spell is over.

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Following England’s latest victory - their third in four under Carsley - the stand-in coach insisted that the role required a “world-class” leader who has “been there and done it”.

“People are always going to try and put their chips on one side, I’m totally in the middle,” the temporary England boss told ITV. “My bosses have made it totally clear what they need from me.

“This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies, been there and done it, and I’m still on the path to doing that.”

He added: “I’ve not thought that much about it, I keep saying the same thing. My remit was to do six games, I’m really happy with that. It’s a privileged position I’m in, I’m really enjoying it.

“I didn’t enjoy it the last two days [after the Greece defeat], it was hard work. I’m just not used to losing in an England team and I don’t take losing very well.”

Grealish quashes 'negative' talk after Greece defeat

Carsley came under fire for his tactics in England’s 2-1 defeat against Greece at Wembley Stadium on Thursday, where he fielded an attack-heavy team - but no recognised strikers - in the absence of skipper Harry Kane.

Jude Bellingham started up front, while Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon all lined up in attack, which left Declan Rice as the only recognised midfielder.

But Carlsey’s brave tactics did not stop England from struggling to break down the stubborn Greek defence, who recorded their first-ever victory in the fixture.

Jack Grealish, who was recalled to the side under Carsley last month after missing Euro 2024, jumped to Carsley’s defence after what has been described as a difficult week for the rookie manager.

“I don’t think it’s been difficult,” Grealish told ITV. “Whatever happens with the England manager, I think they will always have some people saying negative stuff.

“Before, people were crying out for all the so-called attacking players to play and then when we do it, it didn’t work for one game and there were a few people moaning.

“My honest opinion: I don’t really get it. It can happen in games sometimes. Everyone gets beat in international football.

“I absolutely love coming here [England duty]. He’s a top, top manager, a brilliant guy and I love playing for him.”

Grealish netted his second goal of the Nations League campaign after he found the target in England’s opener against Ireland in September.

The Manchester City star admitted that the players were left somewhat frustrated after being unable to hold on to a clean sheet on Dean Henderson’s full debut, but the three points were all that mattered in the end.

“We could have had a few more [goals] towards the end as the game opened up,” Grealish added.

“It was difficult at times in the first half, but we went in at half-time with a one-goal lead and I think we dominated the game [from there].

“At the end, I think we’re a bit gutted to concede from a set-piece, but we needed a win today, so yeah, happy with that.”

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