Before the FA unveiled Thomas Tuchel as the next head coach of the England men’s football team and permanent successor to Gareth Southgate, interim appointment Lee Carsley had fought his way into contention for the top job .

In September, England moved to the top of Group 2 of the UEFA Nations League, leapfrogging Ireland and Finland, playing the sleek, avant-garde style that football fans had long hoped to see .

Classy Carsley released the handbrake. Promoting Morgan Gibbs White and Angel Gomes from the England Under-21 team to the senior squad, he breathed life into a team that at times seemed stagnating under his predecessor.

But no sooner had the 50-year-old put England at the top of the group than the wheels fell off. Playing without a recognized striker, England dominated possession but lacked penetration as they were convincingly beaten 2-1 by Greece at Wembley.

Vangelis Pavlidis’ double that night exposed vulnerabilities in his experimental system. Unbalanced, indecisive and without a focal point, England’s honeymoon with the current incumbent president was cut short and the appointment of Tuchel followed.

Lee Carsley began his tenure as England interim coach as the favorite for the top job.

But the FA chose to appoint manager Thomas Tuchel (above) to succeed Gareth Southgate.

Carsley set to return to coach England Under-21s after Tuchel takes over as manager

The former Republic of Ireland midfielder’s reputation was also affected by his refusal to sing the national anthem, which generated significant controversy surrounding his first match in charge in September against country he represented.

“It definitely didn’t affect my day or my preparations, I fully respect people’s opinions,” Carsley said in defending his decision.

“It’s something (singing the national anthem) I’ve never done but I fully respect both national anthems. Today would be one of the proudest times of my career to lead a team of England in Dublin.

“You certainly couldn’t have written it. I don’t feel mistreated or wronged. I respect everyone’s opinion. I’ve played on teams where the players sang the anthem next to me, but I’ve also played on teams where the players or coaches didn’t sing.

“I don’t think it makes me, or anyone who doesn’t sing, any less engaged.”

But England’s divorce from free-flowing football in search of pragmatism – synonymous with Tuchel and his style of play – has left Carsley behind. He is expected to return to his old coaching role with the under-21s, although this is yet to be confirmed.

And if Carsley is forced to leave in search of a job in club football, he will have to deal with the growing crisis facing English managers: top clubs are increasingly looking to import coaches to success of the continent and no longer feel obliged to prioritize their country of origin. adult candidates.

Eddie Howe is the only English manager at the helm of a club in the top 14 of the Premier League. When the 46-year-old inherited a struggling 19th-place Newcastle side in 2021, his mission was to lead the club’s survival efforts, not compete for major titles. honors.

Carsley’s stock damaged by England’s defeat to Greece after extremely bold selection

Carsley was also heavily criticized by the public for his refusal to sing the national anthem.

Gareth Southgate is yet to return to coaching, although he is keen to take a break from the game.

Although Carsley’s shares undoubtedly fell after England’s nightmare defeat to Greece – ranked 42nd in the world – it is to be hoped that a struggling Premier League club or Championship team on the rise will appreciate his track record in developing young talent and will give him a chance.

But, with his predecessor Gareth Southgate currently out of work, Carsley may be wondering where he fits in the pecking order of England managers. Below Howe? Certainly. Below Southgate? Certainly.

Although Southgate was criticized for his commitment to negative, reactive and often restrictive football, in leading England to back-to-back European Championship finals he became the country’s second most effective tournament manager .

By leading England into battle 102 times, maintaining a winning percentage of 59 percent and coming agonizingly close to the national team’s silver medal since 1966, he has compiled a CV and built a career for himself. reputation that far eclipses that of Carsley.

Before taking charge of the Three Lions, first on an interim basis, in 2016, Southgate cut his teeth managing the Middlesbrough and then England U21s.

In October, he stressed that he needed time away from training to recover from the grueling England job and decided to wait until next year to determine his next move.

Speaking at the ECA general meeting, Southgate said: “I won’t be coaching next year, that’s for sure. I’m sure of it. I have to give myself time to make good decisions.

“When you come out of a very important role, you have to give time to your body and your mind.”

Carsley has relied on technical and skillful midfielders in his teams, such as Jack Grealish (left)

His record as manager is leading England Under-21s to glory at Euro 2023.

However, there was speculation he could return to management before the new year as Manchester United boss, before Ruben Amorim emerged as the clear favorite to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

With the United job off the table, given elite Premier League sides’ predisposition to promising foreign managers, Southgate’s return to management could take place at a team outside the top 10.

If Howe and Southgate have to start from the bottom of the Premier League to secure a seat at the top, Carsley has every right to worry about where his stock lies, far from the comfort and security of the FA system.

There will surely be concerns about his ability to make the transition from international football. During his tenure as England caretaker manager, Carsley showed a preference for technical players.

By reinstating Jack Grealish into the starting group and calling on the previously uncapped Gomes to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield, Carsley relied on skillful midfielders capable of receiving possession in spaces restricted under pressure.

During his tenure with the FA he enjoyed success overseeing the development of England’s best young talent, his highlight being leading the Under-21 team to European Championship glory in 2023.

In the current managerial climate, Carsley’s next managerial adventure will likely be outside the Premier League, or at least with a club struggling to stay in the division.

So while Carsley was criticized for his stubbornness against Greece, his next move will be an opportunity to prove his adaptability and value as a top manager.