Gary Lineker Weighs in on L. Carsley’s Future Amid England’s Search for Manager

As the FA searches for a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate, Gary Lineker has hinted that Lee Carsley might already know his fate in England’s new manager quest.

Leading the national team as temporary manager, Carsley is supposed to supervise one more camp until the FA decides on Southgate’s successor. Although Carsley has not ruled himself out of contention, the FA has apparently shown interest in well-known personalities like Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City. Given England’s numerous near-misses in big events, the responsibility carries enormous strain.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Gary Lineker offered his opinions on “defeatist” Carsley’s latest remarks. Carsley advised the FA to appoint a “world-class coach that’s won trophies,” following England’s victory against Finland, but subsequently changed his mind, stating he was “def definitely not” out of the race. Lineker hypothesised that Carsley might already be aware he isn’t a contender for the post.

What Lineker Said

“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 explained.

“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.”

Lineker continued, criticizing the notion that only a “winning coach” should lead England:

“Spain didn’t have a guy who had won trophies before, certainly not in league football. Lee Carsley has won [the European Championship with England Under-21s], so he has won a trophy… 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.”