Gary Lineker has revealed his thoughts on Lee Carsley’s recent comments, revealing his new theory regarding the England manager role.
Lineker, who played for England on 80 occasions spoke out after Carsley claimed that England needed a manager with a track record of winning trophies following last night's 3-1 win in Finland.
Life as interim England boss started perfectly for Carsley after guiding the Three Lions to victories over the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September.
However, Carsley watched on as England were beaten 2-1 at Wembley against Greece last Thursday. His team lacked fluency in attack and conceded several chances after fielding an experimental lineup that badly backfired.
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On Sunday evening, England performed well in their 3-1 away win against Finland in Helsinki. However, Carsley appeared to rule himself out of the running for the England job on a full-time basis.
“This is a job that deserves a world-class coach who’s won trophies, I’m still on the path to doing that,” he told ITV.
However, in his post-match press conference, he was asked if the job would be too soon in his managerial career.
“Definitely not. I tried to make it clear as I could,” he replied.
“My remit was three camps in the Nations League. The point I was trying to make is it is one of the top jobs in the world and it deserves a top coach.
“I’m finding this job a challenge in a good way.”
Lineker had his say on Carsley’s comments when speaking with Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on the latest The Rest is Football podcast released on Monday.
Lineker believes Carsley already knows the next steps that have been put in place by the FA regarding Gareth Southgate's long-term successor. but claims he cannot make this public knowledge.
“I wonder - I've heard rumours and stuff - whether he knows something about what's happening in terms of they're looking for a new manager,” Lineker said.
“I think they've sounded out coaches. That's what the rumours are, that's what we've heard - and I wonder whether he thinks he's not going to get it so therefore, he is perhaps protecting himself and wants to get his other job back.
"They need a winning coach, I mean, look at the two teams who have just won international tournaments,” he added.
“Spain didn't have a guy who had won trophies before, certainly not in league football, Lee Carlsey has won a World Cup [he won the European Championship with England's U-21s]!
“So he has won a trophy, but he's talking about club sides. I wonder whether they have been sounding out people, and he's found out, and he just doesn't believe he is going to get the job.”
Three main candidates have been linked with the Three Lions role. Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel and Eddie Howe remain the favourites for the position.
Topics: England, Lee Carsley , Gary Lineker, Pep Guardiola, Thomas Tuchel, Eddie Howe
Luke Davies