Lee Carsley says England interim job 'makes sense' as confirmation arrives after Gareth Southgate exit

Carsley has worked with England's Under-21s and guided them to glory at the European Championships last summer.

The former Everton star has been given the keys to Wembley on a temporary basis for upcoming Nations League matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

And Carsley believes it 'makes sense' for him to be given the job.

“It’s an honour to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis," he said.

"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.”

JUST IN: Noah Lyles refuses to apologise and admits to deliberately hiding Covid diagnosis from rivals at the Olympics

FA chief Mark Bullingham is leading the search for a permanent replacement for Southgate.

Reacting to Carsley's appointment, he 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.”

READ MORE: England next manager: Sarina Wiegman's role in hunt revealed following Gareth Southgate exit

It emerged earlier on Friday that Carsley would be joined by Ashley Cole, who is set to work as his assistant.

The left-back is one of the best defenders of his generation and made 107 appearances for England during his playing days.

With Carsley now officially interim boss, Bullingham and the rest of the FA are set to continue their search for a permanent appointment.

Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly the 'leading candidate' to take charge, with the FA open to hiring a foreign boss.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

• Gabby Logan brands Olympics star 'selfish' in stinging attack live on BBC
• British Olympic medallist shuts down Good Morning Britain host over misinformation
• Man Utd transfer target 'could face three years in prison' as Erik ten Hag looks to wrap up signing

Though Eddie Howe has admirers within the FA, it's thought the 46-year-old is too committed to Newcastle to leave.

Graham Potter is a free agent and keen on a return to management following his departure from Chelsea last year.

However, there's a sense the FA would have already made a move for the former Brighton and Swansea boss by now if he was their preferred candidate.

Pochettino isn't the only foreign boss reportedly interested in replacing Southgate.

Thomas Tuchel is intrigued by the job, having left Bayern Munich earlier this summer.

And widespread reports say Joachim Lowe, who steered Germany to World Cup glory in 2014, is keen on the role as well.