Former midfielder who made Young Lions roar – England’s interim boss Lee Carsley

Gareth Southgate departed his role after Euro 2024.

Lee Carsley will take charge of England’s Nations League matches in September, having been named interim manager as the search for Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor continues.

Here, the PA news agency takes a closer look at the former Republic of Ireland midfielder.

Carsley gets stuck in for Toffees

Everton’s Lee Carsley slides in to tackle Arsenal’s Thierry Henry — Lee Carsley, left, became a key part of Everton’s midfield (Gareth Copley/PA)

After moving to Coventry, the defensive midfielder signed for Everton in 2002 and went on to become an integral part of David Moyes’ side, making almost 200 appearances for the Toffees.

Ireland calling

The Republic of Ireland squad, including Lee Carsley, line-up ahead of a European Championship qualifying match against Wales — Carsley, front row, centre, won 40 caps for Republic of Ireland (Niall Carson/PA)

After taking a short break from international football, Carsley went on to earn 40 senior Ireland caps, his last appearance coming against Brazil in a friendly at Croke Park in February 2008.

Into the dugout

Lee Carsley (centre) during a coaching session at Coventry — Carsley, centre, took his first steps into coaching at Coventry (Andy Lloyd/PA)

A stint with Sheffield United, working with former Everton team-mate David Weir, was followed by a spell at Brentford, where he took over interim head coach duties in September 2015 ahead of the arrival of Dean Smith – and was named Championship Manager of the Month in October.

As well as working in the England youth set-up, Carsley’s role at Manchester City’s academy saw his under-18s team reach the 2017 FA Youth Cup final where they were beaten by Chelsea.

England doors open

Initially brought into the England Under-19s coaching set up under Aidy Boothroyd – his former boss at Coventry – Carsley continued to gain experience with specialist roles.

He went on to work with the under-21s as well as becoming the Professional Development Phase lead for different age groups.

In late 2020, Carsley’s progression saw him become head coach of the under-20s side before taking on the under-21s job in July 2021.

Young Lions roar

England players celebrate with the trophy following the Euro Under-21 Championship final in Georgia — Carley’s England side won the European Under-21 Championship in Georgia last summer (PA)

England beat Spain in the final and did not concede a goal throughout the tournament in Georgia, with the attractive swagger of his side’s style soon dubbed ‘Carsball’.

Both Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon have since progressed into the senior side, featuring at Euro 2024 under Southgate, so could be handed more opportunities to impress in Carsley’s first games at the helm.