Southgate came through the same route as Carsley, being promoted from the under-21 job and leading England initially on an interim basis, although he had previously managed Middlesbrough too.
Carsley’s managerial experience has entailed interim spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham.
While many England fans wanted Southgate to go, criticising perceived negative tactics, he will go down as the country’s second most successful men’s manager ever.
He led the Three Lions to European Championship finals in 2021 and 2024 – losing both – with only Sir Alf Ramsey guiding England to a men’s final before, the 1966 World Cup which remains their only trophy.
“Southgate’s achievements were regarded as vindication for the years of work done in building a national coaching system after he took over permanently in November 2016,” said BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty.
“The idea of promoting from within their system is understandably attractive to the FA as it would be a clear demonstration of its developmental coaching success, following in the footsteps of Spain.
“Carsley’s ascent also appealed to the FA because he has worked so closely with a group of young players at development levels, such as Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Marc Guehi and others. De la Fuente was a similar case in point as he built Spain’s latest powerful team.
“This was all part of the St George’s Park strategy put in place by the FA.”
But some England fans might prefer a bigger name – like Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, the dream albeit unlikely option of Pep Guardiola – or new bookmakers’ favourite Thomas Tuchel.
“Lee Carsley’s ill-fated selection gamble against Greece placed a large boulder in the Football Association’s preferred pathway for the national team manager,” said McNulty.
“It has re-opened the debate as to whether Carsley has the credentials and experience to take England to the 2026 World Cup when the FA would have much preferred a smooth handover of power, with another graduate from the St George’s Park system steeped in what they like to call their DNA at the helm after Southgate.”
