Key answers as England end October international window with many questions
After the Nations League loss to Greece and victory in Finland, the PA news agency looks at the situation.
England ended the October international window with more questions than answers as the uncertainty over Lee Carsley’s future deepened.
After the Nations League loss to Greece and Sunday’s win in Finland, the PA news agency takes a look at the situation.
Where is the selection process at?
The Football Association is remaining tight-lipped about exactly where it is in the process of finding Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor. It advertised the position shortly after the former manager’s departure – with a closing date of August 2 – and Carsley confirmed on Saturday that he did not formally apply. He was named on an interim basis a week after the deadline, stepping up from his role as England Under-21s boss, initially for the three autumn international windows, intending to buy the FA time to search for the best candidate. But, approaching three months since his exit, we are no closer to knowing who will replace Southgate permanently.
Does Carsley actually want the job?
Who are the other contenders?
What is the state of play going into the November international break?
With all the focus on Carsley’s future it is easy to forget there was some football played and the October break was a damaging one for England in the Nations League. That humiliating defeat at Wembley gave control of Group B2 to Greece, who consolidated their position on Sunday when they beat the Republic of Ireland. It means Greece are three points clear at the top heading into a huge reverse fixture against England in Athens in November. It is simply a must-win game for Carsley’s men and even then, their chances of finishing top of the group will be determined by how England fare against Ireland compared to Greece against Finland.
What are the implications of not winning the group?
