Lee Carsley says England must try something different - but casts doubt on own future

Lee Carsley insistsmust try something different to become winners - whether it is with or without him.

came out fighting ahead of a defining game against Finland but also cast further doubt over whether he wants to be England’s next permanent manager. Interim boss Carsley says England can win major trophies but says they would be “naive” to carry on making the same mistakes.

They have lost the last two Euro finals and Carsley says it is time for a different approach even though his tactical gamble against backfired spectacularly and may have seriously damaged any hope he had of getting the big job.

But Carsley hinted heavily he would be happy to go back to the under-21s or be part of the coaching set-up if a new manager comes in. However, his comments appear to be putting a distance between him and the permanent job.

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Carsley said: “The last thing that is important to me in this whole process is me. I don’t see this as an audition. I don’t see it as the biggest chance I have ever had. I see it as a privilege. I see it as an unbelievable responsibility.

“I have got three more games left, I want to try to make sure that the squad are in a really good position, that we have seen different players play in different positions and we are in a healthy position.

“I mean, we've been so close in the past and with a bit more luck or belief on our side it could have been different. But as we stand at the minute it's not, so I believe that we could be coming into a phase of that kind of success.

“I have to try something because we’ve got to put ourselves in a position where we can win. To think that we can just do the same again and expect something different is naive. I’m really wary of the fact that the last time we won something was 1966 so we have to have that ability to try something different.

“It’s not put me off. I don’t want to sit back in a month’s time with regrets that I was safe. This is a great opportunity, not only for myself, but for the rest of the staff and the players to try something different.

“We’re also looking at bigger picture in terms of the World Cup qualification and then hopefully the World Cup, that we’ve got a good understanding of the player capabilities.

“I think the past potentially is a good indicator of the future and we've got quite a few players now that are currently in the squad and around the squad that have won a lot with England through the age groups. They've felt that before.

“If you think back of that Germany team and the Spain team that were really successful at the younger age groups that came through, I think potentially we could be coming into a period of that ilk.”

The Association have declined to comment throughout the process and insist that will come at the end of the Nations League fixtures next month.

They have not begun the formal interview process but have made enquiries about potential candidates. The likes of Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Thomas Tuchel and even have been mooted.

Carsley revealed he has not applied for the job as he would be happy to go back to being under-21s boss if it does not work out. He also insists he was happy he took the stick rather than the players after the Greece defeat.

Carsley added: “Your human instinct is to be safe, to go with things that you’re comfortable with but it was important that in this period I felt that I have to be out of my comfort zone, I totally accept all of the criticism.

“I’m glad it was directed towards me and not the players and we move on. I understand the interest and the criticism, which is fine.”

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