Lee Carsley backs himself to handle permanent England role after Ireland win | OneFootball

England interim manager Lee Carsley has admitted he feels confident enough to take the role on a full-time basis, after leading the Three Lions to victory over the Republic of Ireland.

Carsley, originally the England Under-21 manager, stepped into the role left behind by Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024, taking charge of the senior side while the Football Association conduct the search for a permanent hire.

It was a successful debut outing for Carsley, as goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish secured a 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, which he admits offered a much-needed confidence boost.

"In the back of my mind you always think it's easy to be the England manager when you're sat in the house, but there have been times where I've thought' 'I'm not sure I could do it’," Carsley confessed. "But [the win] has done my confidence good, and that of the rest of the staff as well. And [you think] actually, we're OK, we'll be alright.

"I think it's natural to have doubts. Going into the Euros with the Under-21s, with the record that we've got, there was a worry we could go home in ten days but I've learnt with experience. Dealing with setbacks and having good people around you, it gets easier. I feel like we're in a good position with the players."

There has been plenty of speculation as to the identity of the next permanent England manager, with Carsley often featuring on shortlists alongside the likes of Graham Potter and Eddie Howe.

While the FA have yet to give any indication of their next choice, Carsley insisted he has a strong relationship with English football's governing body and revealed the details of his conversation with technical director John McDermott after the game.

"He just said well done, that it's a good start, and to make sure we win on Tuesday [against Finland at Wembley]," Carsley said.