Lee Carsley sparks further confusion over England job ambitions as Pep Guardiola gives emphatic answer to questions

Lee Carsley has left fans in doubt over whether he wants the full-time job as England manager.

The Three Lions returned to winning ways in the Nations League on Sunday, beating Finland 3-1 in Helsinki.

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Carsley has not been clear about whether he wants the permanent job or notCredit: GETTY

Carsley admitted to talkSPORT before the game that he had not formally applied to become the next permanent England manager as the Football Association searches for Gareth Southgate’s successor.

Now England’s interim boss has caused more confusion by giving seemingly conflicting answers as to whether he sees himself taking on the role full-time.

According to the Independent , the Birmingham-born boss said after the match: “I am reluctant [to say I don’t want it] because in the past I’ve gone so far as to say that I don’t want the job, that I’m not doing the job… it’s important that I keep an open mind.”

But speaking to ITV, he gave a different impression.

Asked about wanting the job, he said: “I haven’t thought too much about it. I keep saying the same thing, my job was to play six games.

“Really, really happy about it. It’s a privileged position I’m in, I’m really enjoying it. Haven’t enjoyed it for the last two days [after the defeat to Greece]it was hard work.

“I’m just not used to losing to an English team and I don’t take losing very well.”

Pressed on whether reports he didn’t want the job were untrue, he said: “I think people will always try to put their chips on one side.

“I’m right in the middle. My bosses have made it very clear what they need from me.

“This job deserves a world-class coach who has won trophies and been there and done that, and I’m still on track to do that.”

Carsley led England Under-21s to EC glory in 2023 - but he knows the FA want a league winner

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Carsley led England Under-21s to EC glory in 2023 – but he knows the FA want a league winnerCredit: Getty

Carsley was appointed as interim manager in August with a view to remaining in the post throughout the autumn while the FA’s recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continued.

While his future remains uncertain, plenty of other names have been linked with the England job.

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola has been reported as the ‘dream appointment’ for the FA, but he told Italian magazine Che Tempo Che Fa that he has not set his sights on the position.

Adrian Durham delivers his damning verdict on England’s 3-1 win over Finland

“That’s not true. I’m Manchester City manager,” he is quoted as saying when asked if he has decided he wants to be England manager. “I haven’t decided anything, anything can happen. So I don’t know.”

talkSPORT understands former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is keen on the role.

Newcastle’s Eddie Howe has also been a long-term speculated name for the job.

But talkSPORT reported on Friday that Howe would cost around £5m and the FA is reluctant to pay compensation when appointing a manager.

Guardiola's contract at City expires next summer

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Guardiola’s contract at City expires next summerCredit: Getty
It is understood that the FA would have to pay Newcastle large compensation to prize Howe away

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It is understood that the FA would have to pay Newcastle large compensation to prize Howe awayCredit: Getty

Graham Potter, formerly of Brighton and Chelsea, is also a contender.

However, talkSPORT also understands that he and Howe have had no contact from the FA since Southgate left in July.

Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice were all on the scoresheet in Finland on Sunday, with the top goalscorer admitting after the game that he had lost a bet with Alexander-Arnold as the Liverpool star expertly fired home a free-kick to put England 2 -0 after 74 minutes.

Arttu Hoskonen grabbed a consolation goal in the 87th minute for the hosts.

England bounced back from their 2-1 loss to Greece at Wembley on Thursday

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England bounced back from their 2-1 loss to Greece at Wembley on ThursdayCredit: Getty

Rice disagreed with talkSPORT’s Stuart Pearce’s view that England lacked identity in the win, with commentator Adrian Durham also awarding a 2/10 to the Three Lions star for Sunday’s performance.

The Three Lions next face Greece on November 14 in their next Nations League match, before rounding off their campaign at home to Ireland three days later.

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