FA interim manager Lee Carsley has agreed to oversee England’s six upcoming games in the autumn before returning to his role with the Under-21 team. Despite initially expressing uncertainty about his future after the Greece defeat, Carsley has been commended by FA bosses for keeping their recruitment plans confidential. The FA has been considering potential candidates, including Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, since Gareth Southgate’s resignation in July, but has not yet held formal talks with anyone.
Guardiola, who has reportedly received approaches from three national teams this year including England, is contemplating a 12-month extension on his current contract with Manchester City. While Guardiola is intrigued by the idea of coaching a national team in the future, he may not make a decision until after the 2026 World Cup. The City boss is in no rush to finalize his plans and could potentially sign another deal with City, extending his tenure to a complete decade at the club. Guardiola is said to have a positive view of coaching in England and has not ruled out the possibility of eventually taking on the role with the national team.
Napoli is reportedly interested in signing Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell, who is expected to leave the club in January after struggling to secure regular playing time. Chilwell almost departed Chelsea in the summer transfer window but stayed due to a lack of suitable offers. With Fulham, Crystal Palace, and Ipswich also monitoring his situation, Chilwell could have multiple options in the upcoming transfer window. Chelsea is open to exploring the option of letting Chilwell go as they attempt to manage their squad effectively.
Despite speculation about Guardiola’s potential future with England, the FA has not yet held formal discussions with any candidates regarding the vacant manager position. Carsley’s temporary appointment to oversee the upcoming games indicates a willingness to maintain stability while the search for a permanent manager continues. Guardiola’s interest in coaching a national team reflects his long-term career goals, but he may choose to extend his stay at Manchester City rather than making a swift transition to international management.
As Carsley fulfills his temporary role with England, his handling of the team’s upcoming games will play a crucial role in shaping the FA’s future plans. With Guardiola considering an extension at Manchester City, the timing of any potential transition to international management remains uncertain. Chilwell’s potential move to Napoli adds another layer of intrigue to the transfer market, with multiple clubs vying for the talented full-back’s services. The coming months are sure to bring further developments in the managerial landscape of English football.
