Lee Carsley appears to have to ruled himself out of taking the England head coach job beyond next month following the 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday.
Pressure was on Carsley to get England back on track after their 2-1 defeat to Greece earlier this week.
He stuck to his guns by making another bold team selection for the game against Finland with Trent Alexander-Arnold pushed to left-back and Angel Gomes given another chance in midfield alongside Declan Rice.
Jack Grealish once again repaid Carsley’s faith in him with England’s opener in the first half before Alexander-Arnold doubled their lead with a free-kick into the top corner.
Lee Carsley appears to have ruled himself out of the running
PA
Declan Rice rounded things off with a third late on before Finland managed to grab a consolation goal.
It was the result Carsley needed after a challenging few days in which he’s faced serious questions over his credentials to take on the England job on a permanent basis.
Just last month, Carsley was tipped as the favourite to take the job as his adventurous style of play and team selection created some excitement.
The players also appeared to be on board for Carsley to be Gareth Southgate’s successor with many of the current crop working with him at the Under-21 level.
But a self-effacing Carsley doesn’t seemingly think he’s the man for the job on a permanent basis.
The 50-year-old will take charge of England’s next two matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, but it’s still unclear who will take the job beyond that.
Carsley has essentially ruled himself out by suggesting the FA will need to go with a manager proven at the highest level.
“I’ve not really thought much about it. I keep saying the same thing,” he told ITV.
The players have been supportive of Lee Carsley
PA
“My remit was six games and I’m happy with that. This is a privileged position.
“I’m really enjoying it but I didn’t enjoy the last two days. I’m not used to losing in an England team, I don’t take losing well.
“People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I’m in the middle.
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Lee Carsley will have at least two more games in charge of England
PA
“My bosses have made it clear what they need from me.
“This job deserves a world class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that.”
Reports emerged this week that Thomas Tuchel is being lined up as a potential option for the England job while Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Pep Guardiola continue to be linked.