Lee Carsley?s attacking philosophy will be refreshing contrast (Picture: The FA via Getty Images)

It’s hardly all over bar the shouting but the job as England?s next permanent manager is surely Lee Carsley?s to lose.

Success with the Three Lions at the European Under-21 Championship last year has led the Football Association to appoint him as interim boss for this month’s Nations League matches, starting with the trip to Dublin to play the Republic of Ireland on Saturday and followed by the visit of Finland to Wembley on Tuesday.

The FA say Carsley was appointed ‘with a view to remaining in the position throughout the autumn’ and there are potentially four more internationals, two in October and another couple in November, for Carsley to stamp his authority and make it impossible for Wembley chiefs to look elsewhere.
The former Everton and Derby midfielder has already made some bold moves by introducing to his first squad a slew of players he has worked with in the young Lions set-up such as former Manchester United starlet Angel Gomes, now impressing with Lille, Manchester City gem Rico Lewis, Chelsea duo Levi Colwill and Noni Madueke, Nottingham Forest attacker Morgan Gibbs-White and Newcastle defender Tino Livramento.

Jack Grealish also makes a welcome return after missing out on a place in Gareth Southgate?s plans for Euro 2024 in Germany in the summer but Carsley has already attracted the criticism, which is part and parcel of being in the ...