Lee Carsley: England interim manager says ‘important to put own stamp’ on squad

England interim head coach Lee Carsley says it is “important to put our own stamp on the squad” as he prepares to take charge of the team next month.

Carsley has been named interim coach for the Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September, with a “view to remaining in the position” into the autumn.

Gareth Southgate stepped down after eight years in charge following the defeat by Spain in the final of Euro 2024 last month.

Speaking to the Football Association’s in-house media channel, Carsley said: “It’s a very prestigious job following Gareth and [assistant manager] Steve [Holland] and the great job that they have done.

“First and foremost, it’s getting the squad together and picking the right players while trying to get a balance between making sure it’s fresh and competitive but understanding that there are games that we need to do well in and win, so that’s what I’ll be looking to do.

“It’s important that we put our own stamp on the squad and make some adjustments, but also to realise that a lot of the players have done really well in the past and we have to acknowledge that.”

The 50-year-old has had success with the England Under-21 side, winning the European Championship in 2023 for the first time in 39 years.

“I’ve got a relationship with those players and have known them quite a few years,” Carsley said.

“There’s players that I don’t know as well, but I’m very much aware of them and I think we’ve got some outstanding players in the senior team.

“In the pathway, the level of players over the years has really improved and you can see that by the way we’ve done in major tournaments. The next step is winning, and that’s got to be the objective.”

The path from England Under-21 manager to caretaker boss of the senior team is well trodden, with Howard Wilkinson, Stuart Pearce and Southgate all stepping up after taking charge of the Young Lions.

England play the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 7 September before welcoming Finland to Wembley three days later.