Lee Carsley appears to rule himself out of the permanent England job as interim boss says Three Lions ‘deserve a world class coach that’s won trophies’

England’s interim manager Lee Carsley has seemingly ruled himself out of the running to take the job on a permanent basis.

There have been major internal doubts in recent days over whether Carsley even wants the role after he said ‘hopefully’ he can return to the Under-21s once his interim period is over. 

Carsley took charge of the Three Lions following the departure of Gareth Southgate in August.

He made an impressive start with 2-0 wins over Ireland and Finland but suffered a shock defeat to Greece at Wembley in his third match on Thursday. 

England bounced back with a 3-1 victory over Finland in Helsinki on Sunday but Carsley appeared to confirm that his days in charge are numbered after the game. 

Asked if he wanted to still be manager after November’s international break, Carsley said: ‘I’ve not really thought that much about it. 

‘I know I keep saying the same thing. My remit was to do six games. Really happy with that. It’s a privileged position that I’m in. 

‘I’m really enjoying it. Didn’t enjoy it the last two days, it was hard work. I’m just not used to losing in an England team and I don’t take losing very well.’

Asked if it’s true that he doesn’t want the job, he responded: ‘I think people are always going to, you know, try and try and put their chips on one side. 

Lee Carsley has seemingly ruled himself out of taking the England job on a permanent basis

‘I’m totally in the middle. My bosses have made it totally clear what they need from me this this job deserves a world class coach that’s that’s won trophies and and been there and done it, and I’m still on the path to doing that.’

Carsley will have been pleased with his team’s display against Finland on Sunday as Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice got themselves on the scoresheet.