Lee Carsley details big England doubts after replacing Gareth Southgate
Interim England boss Lee Carsley has revealed he was wracked by self doubt after first being asked to replace Gareth Southgate when he stood down following the Euro 2024 final
Lee Carsley has admitted he had huge doubts over whether he could do the England job.
But Carsley is growing in confidence that he is ready to lead the nation after passing the first test in his six game audition for the role. FA technical director John McDermott has been tasked with finding the next England boss and Carsley boosted his chances after winning his first game in charge against the Republic of Ireland.
However, Carsley confessed that he was wracked by self doubt after first being asked to take over from Gareth Southgate on an interim basis. Carsley, who led England’s under-21s to the European Championships last year, said: "I'm highly supported by John.
"The fact he trusts me to take the job on an interim basis was a massive boost to my confidence. I think, in the back of my mind, I'm sure you're the same, you always think it's easy to be the England manager when you're sat in the house and, you know, there have been times where I've thought 'I'm not sure I could do it, I'm not sure.'
"You always think about it, I think it's natural to have our doubts, going into the Euros with the 21s, with the record that we've got, there was a worry we could go home in 10 days. But I've learned with experience, and dealing with setbacks, having good people around you, it gets easier.
"This has done my confidence good, and the rest of the staff as well that, actually, we're OK, we'll be alright, and I spoke about it at the first press conference, a safe pair of hands, I feel like we're in a good position with the players."
Carsley will take charge of England’s clash with Finland at Wembley on Tuesday and if he can win all six Nations League games before Christmas then he will be red-hot favourite to get the job.
Carsley has already received huge public support from his players. England’s other big candidate for the job is Newcastle boss Eddie Howe but the FA clearly want to give Carsley every chance to prove he is up to the job.
The FA have also made it clear that the controversy over Carsley’s reluctance to sing the national anthem will not affect his chances as they insist it is personal and what he has always done.
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