Lee Carsley appears to be edging closer to taking the England job on a permanent basis with the FA reportedly yet to make any contact with four of the favourites for the job.
England have been searching for their next permanent manager ever since the end of Euro 2024 after Gareth Southgate stepped down.
The FA announced shortly after Southgate’s departure that their aim was to have a new manager ‘confirmed as soon as possible’.
A host of managers were being linked with the vacant position with Graham Potter and Eddie Howe seen as the frontrunners while Thomas Tuchel and Jurgen Klopp were also being touted.
Lee Carsley won his first two matches in charge of EnglandPA
However, the FA decided to go for Carsley on an interim basis to give themselves more time.
It’s been reported that a final decision will be made after the November international fixtures.
That supposedly gives Carsley four more fixtures to make his case for the job and it doesn’t seem as though he has much competition.
According to Sky Sports, neither Klopp, Tuchel, Potter or Howe have been contacted by the FA about the job.
All four managers have previously been seen as frontrunners for the job, but the FA’s supposed lack of contact would suggest that Carsley is top of their list.
Howe is the only manager of the four currently in work with the other three among the best coaches in the world currently available.
Klopp ruled himself out of taking the England job back in July, reiterating his intention to take a ‘long break’ from football after leaving Liverpool.
Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Potter was asked about the England job when he appeared on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football last month.
Jurgen Klopp has said he wants a break from football
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And he refused to confirm whether he preferred a return to management in club football or making the step into the international game.
“I’m open to anything, to be honest,” he said.
“I’ve had a fantastic journey over the last 12 years from the fourth tier of Swedish football to the last eight of the Champions League and I would like to spend the next 12 years in the same position, developing players, teams, working with people and making a difference.
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Gareth Southgate left his role as England manager in the summer
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“Wherever that is, I’m open to everything.”
Carsley will name his second England squad this week for their upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.
England are currently joint top with Greece in their group after two matches.