Les Reed, the former FA technical director, has identified England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley as the prime candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate as the national team’s manager.
Southgate’s tenure has been under scrutiny, especially following England’s disappointing exit from the World Cup 2022 at the hands of France.
Reed expressed his belief that Carsley should be seriously considered as a replacement for Southgate in order to make the most of England’s promising pool of talent.
He highlighted Southgate’s successful transition of U21 players into the senior squad and emphasized the need to continue this approach to nurture the next generation.
According to Reed, neglecting Carsley as a potential successor would be a mistake, especially considering his familiarity with the U21 players and their capabilities.
He stressed that the national team had the potential to succeed in major tournaments, but the opportunity was not capitalized upon effectively.
Reed pointed out that the management approach should not be taken lightly, advocating for a committed and serious approach to the role.
He cautioned against adopting a celebrity or casual management style and underscored the importance of selecting a manager who can bring out the best in the players.
Carsley’s recent success in leading the England Under-21s to their first European title in 19 years further supports Reed’s recommendation. The victory came after a hard-fought final against Spain, where England emerged victorious with a 1-0 scoreline.
Reed’s endorsement of Lee Carsley as a potential successor to Gareth Southgate stems from a belief in the latter’s ability to effectively manage and nurture the upcoming generation of football talent in England.
The endorsement comes after England’s disappointment in the World Cup and emphasizes the importance of a committed and knowledgeable managerial approach to drive future success for the national team.
