England interim boss Lee Carsley has axed some of Gareth Southgate’s key allies ahead of the UEFA Nations League campaign next month.
Earlier this month it was confirmed Carlsey, the England Under-21s boss, had been named interim manager of the Three Lions following Gareth Southgate’s departure after the Euro 2024 final. England reached their second consecutive European Championship final under Southgate, but were unable to overcome Spain this time around, losing 2-1 in Berlin last month.
Carsley is set to take charge of the Three Lions for their upcoming games against Ireland and Finland next month, and has already taken steps to distinguish himself from his predecessor Southgate, reports the Mirror.
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While the U21s boss has only been named England interim, Carsley has opted to axe two of Southgate’s key allies. The Telegraph reports Carsley has dispensed with the services of Mike Baker and Stephen O’Brien, who were England’s two lead analysts under Southgate.
The new England boss has opted to promote James Rider, who served as his U21s analyst, to join him as part of the senior set-up, alongside Tim Dittmer. And coaching positions with the senior squad have also been handed out to former England internationals Ashley Cole and Joleon Lescott, who worked as part of Carsley’s team who won the U21 European Championships last summer.
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It is unlikely the contracts of Jimmy Floyd-Hasselbaink and Paul Nevin will be renewed, meaning there will be a fresh look to the England bench when they take on Ireland on September 7. Announcing the appointment of Carsley earlier this month, 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.”
“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.”
Carsley added: “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.”