Les Reed, the former technical director for the FA, has weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Gareth Southgate’s position as England’s manager, particularly in light of recent criticisms and the team’s elimination by France in the 2022 World Cup. Reed suggests that Lee Carsley should be considered as a potential successor to Southgate, particularly to lead the England under-21 team, aiming to optimize the talent of the young players and prevent squandering a potentially great generation.
Reed emphasizes the importance of a smooth transition from the under-21 setup to the senior team, commending Southgate for his understanding of the younger players and his role in facilitating their progression. He believes that acknowledging Carsley’s expertise and rapport with these players is vital in the decision-making process regarding the future manager.
In Reed’s view, the England team possessed the talent necessary to secure victory in the World Cup, but this potential was not fully utilized. He expresses concern that the managerial approach seemed to prioritize managing celebrities as a sideline interest rather than focusing on maximizing the potential of the talented players.
Moreover, Reed acknowledges the potential influence of renowned managers like Pep Guardiola, who could bring out the best in players if they are genuinely passionate about the international football role. However, he underscores the importance of ensuring that managing the national team is not viewed as a mere post-success experiment or a side job.
Highlighting Carsley’s recent success, Reed mentions how Carsley led the England Under-21 team to a significant victory, clinching their first European championship in 19 years with a notable 1-0 triumph over Spain during the summer. This accomplishment further reinforces Reed’s argument for considering Carsley as a viable successor to Southgate and potentially unlocking England’s footballing potential by nurturing young talent effectively.
