´Hopefully I´ll be going back to the Under-21s´ – Carsley casts doubt on England prospects

Lee Carsley suggested he would be happy to go back to coaching England’s Under-21s in the wake of the Three Lions’ defeat to Greece.

England lost to Greece for the first time as a double from Vangelis Pavlidis, who netted the winner in second-half stoppage time, claimed a famous 2-1 victory for the visitors at Wembley.

Jude Bellingham had slammed in an 87th-minute equaliser, which was England’s first shot on target since the third minute of Thursday’s Nations League match.

Interim manager Carsley, who led the Under-21s to Euros glory last year, picked an attacking line-up that featured Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka, but without a recognised striker in the absence of Harry Kane, England floundered.

While the match stats were not overly in Greece’s favour, with both sides having an equal number of shots and England actually creating more big chances (two to one), but the visitors did have three goals disallowed for offside.

England’s sorry performance sparked debate over Carsley’s long-term suitability for the job of replacing Gareth Southgate on a permanent basis, and after the match, the former Republic of Ireland international said: “I was quite surprised after the last camp in terms of [reading] the job is mine and it is mine to lose and all the rest of it.

“My remit has been clear. I’m doing three camps. There’s three games left and then hopefully I’ll be going back to the Under-21s. It has had almost no impact.”

Defeat at Wembley Stadium. pic.twitter.com/5dMIYpY5ef

— England (@England) October 10, 2024

Asked if he did not want the England job on a full-time basis, Carsley added: “I said at the start I wouldn’t rule myself in or out, that’s still the case.

“I’m more than comfortable in my position. The remit was clear. I’m comfortable and confident with that.

“After the first camp I didn’t get too excited. I’m very aware that this job is one of the best jobs in the world. You’ve actually got a chance of winning. That’s still the case.”

Greece, meanwhile, dedicated their win to George Baldock, the former Sheffield United full-back who died at the age of 31 earlier this week.

“It was a very special day and match for us. Our thoughts are with George,” said Pavlidis, who scored his first goals for Greece since June 2022 against Cyprus, ending a run of 14 games without a goal for the national side.

“We are professionals and had to play the match. We gave our soul for him tonight. Today is not a day to talk about football. He was part of our team. We will miss him very much.

“Also to wish strength to his family and not talk about football. The whole day was numb. We won tonight and don’t want to celebrate. There are just no words.”