Lee Carsley named England interim manager as Wayne Rooney calls on FA to appoint Pep Guardiola

Lee Carsley has been confirmed as England’s new manager on an interim basis.

The England U21s boss will take charge of the Nations League games against Republic of Ireland and Finland in September, with a view to remaining in charge throughout autumn.

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The FA will continue its search for Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor in the meantime.

Southgate stepped down as Three Lions manager after the defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, ending his eight-year reign in charge.

Carsley, who assisted Southgate at the last three major tournaments, said: “It’s an honour to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis.

“As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while The FA continues the process to recruit a new manager.

“My main priority is to ensure continuity and our goal is to secure promotion in the UEFA Nations League.”

Ben Futcher will be stepping up from his coaching role at England U20s to take charge of the U21’s in Carsley’s temporary absence.

Their respective backroom staffs will be confirmed in due course and talkSPORT understands Ashley Cole, another U21 coach, will join Carsley during his interim spell with the senior team.

Carsley has applied for the permanent job and is under consideration, along with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter.

It is understood ex-Everton midfielder Carsley is keen to implement an attacking style of football and further develop England’s young talent.

FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: “Lee is a fantastic coach who is well known to the majority of our current senior squad having worked with most at international or club level.

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“He offers us a very strong interim solution and we are confident he will perform well in the UEFA Nations League games ahead. We are grateful to Lee for stepping up to manage the team while we continue with our recruitment process.”

Meanwhile, talkSPORT asked England legend Wayne Rooney for his thoughts on the news moments after it was announced.

The newly-appointed Plymouth boss insisted he is not currently interested in the role but called on the FA to appoint Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Rooney said: “I’d love to see Pep in there. I think he’s obviously a winner. He knows how to get over the line.

“And yes, he’s not English. But I think we’re that close to winning trophies, it might take someone like Pep just to get us over the line. So I’d love to see Pep.

“But I’m delighted for Lee Carsley. I think he’s a good coach, a good person. Hopefully he does well.

“And for him, you never know. Gareth went through that same pathway and got the job.

“But yes, in an ideal world, then you’d have Pep.”

Guardiola was asked about the possibility of becoming permanent England boss in a press conference moments before the news was announced.

He responded: “I have to consider what to do with my life, if I want to continue here, if I want to take a break, if I want to manage a national team or not.

“I am fully excited for the season because I see things that I like. There’s a new challenge, to see if we can break our own record.”

England return to against against Republic of Ireland on September 7, before facing Finland three days later.

Carsley will name his first senior squad on August 29 ahead of the Nations League fixtures – which will be live on talkSPORT.