The FA is facing scrutiny over the lack of progress in the England manager search

The Football Association’s apparent reluctance to formally interview candidates for the England managerial job has raised more than a few eyebrows. according to The Telegraphthe FA have yet to hold interviews for Gareth Southgate’s successor, despite the application window closing more than two months ago. While the FA maintains the process is ongoing and confidential, the lack of updates and action is drawing criticism from all sides.

As things stand, Lee Carsley is set to complete three international breaks as interim head coach, guiding England through their autumn matches. However, after a 1-0 defeat against Greece, many are questioning whether the FA’s decision to bide their time in the appointment process is justified or simply a sign of indecision.

The FA’s next step is unclear

The absence of formal interviews for the England managerial role is puzzling, especially given the caliber of names linked with the job. The Telegraph reports that “The FA is giving no update on its progress, or lack thereof, in appointing a new manager while Lee Carsley is in charge as interim head coach”. There are several high-profile candidates with extensive managerial pedigree, including Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Thomas Tuchel. Potter and Tuchel in particular are currently available, so the FA’s reluctance to open formal talks is puzzling.

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola has also been touted as a possible dream candidate, although his long-term availability remains a major question mark. Even so, The Telegraph adds that “Sources have told Telegraph Sport that none of the outside favorites have been formally interviewed”, further highlighting the inertia that has characterized the FA’s approach.

Question of Internal Candidates

It’s no secret that Carsley remains an option. After the disappointing performance against Greece, the caretaker coach admitted: “I’ve trained enough to know we have to do something different.” Despite this, he has publicly distanced himself from any aspirations for the permanent role, focusing instead on navigating England through a tricky patch. However, the specter of Carsley’s possible promotion has led to speculation over whether the FA have stalled in the hope that the interim manager can prove himself worthy of the permanent role.

For all his success with the Under-21s, Carsley’s suitability for the senior team has been questioned. A narrow tactical approach and reluctance to deviate from certain formations has frustrated fans, especially given England’s impressive group of players. Against Greece, England fielded an experimental line-up, including five attacking midfielders but without a recognized striker. The result was a disjointed display that left many questioning the FA’s rationale behind Carsley’s continued tenure.

Concerns about McDermott’s role

The role of John McDermott, the FA’s technical director, has also come under scrutiny. according to The Telegraph“McDermott’s methods are old-fashioned, and he doesn’t have the track record to effectively handle picking the best man for the permanent job.” Despite these doubts, McDermott has been visible on the England field, watching training and lending his support to Carsley. However, critics argue that his background may not be suited to the current demands of the job in England, or the selection of a world-class manager.

The FA is said to be enlisting the help of a data firm to help with candidate analysis, hoping to supplement the interview process once it begins. This approach, while advanced, does little to appease the public, who remain skeptical about the FA’s lack of transparency and apparent faltering.

England’s immediate future

England face Finland in their next game, with Harry Kane’s availability still in doubt. Carsley commented: “We’ll assess him – he’s training with us today. He’s scored a lot of goals. I’ve played three games and he’s scored two goals, so he’s a big part of what we do.” Carsley’s reluctance to play without a recognized striker backfired against Greece, and England will be desperate to avoid a repeat performance.

Bukayo Saka is another doubt, with an apparent hamstring problem picked up in the Greece game, adding to England’s growing injury concerns.

Our view: analysis of the EPL index

The FA’s delay in appointing a permanent manager is frustrating. The national team has a world-class squad, capable of competing with any team, but seems to be adrift in limbo under interim management. With Carsley in charge, results have been mixed, with Greece’s defeat highlighting a worrying tactical inflexibility. Fans might think that appointing someone with a proven track record, such as Howe or even Tuchel, would provide much-needed stability and direction.

Furthermore, fans find it hard to understand why the FA has not acted sooner. The lack of transparency around the search process has left many feeling disillusioned. If the FA decide on Carsley as their full-time option, they would have to justify their decision to a skeptical public, who might argue that England deserve a manager with a stronger CV. It is a crucial time for England, and fans will be hoping the FA recognizes the need for a quick and decisive approach to secure a manager capable of building on Southgate’s legacy.