Manchester United eyeing new frontrunner for next England manager as Lee Carsley's performance against Greece falls short

Following Gareth Southgate’s departure, his temporary successor got off to a strong start with wins against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September. However, their fortunes took a severe downturn in Thursday’s Nations League match.

England started with five attackers but no out-and-out striker in the absence of injured Harry Kane, with that system failing to get the best out of the side in possession and leaving them open without it.

Greece capitalised on that meek, incoherent display, with Vangelis Pavlidis striking in stoppage time – his second of the night – shortly after Jude Bellingham had levelled to seal a 2-1 triumph.

Carsley made the eye-catching admission after the loss that they only tried the system for 20 minutes in training on the eve of the game, but his belief in his attacking principles remain unmoved.

‘My position and my understanding of coaching, I want to attack,’ he said.

‘I want to attack – you’ve seen the teams play (at Under-21s level). It’s something that’s really important to me and with that you do lose games. You do lose some games.

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‘It’s not ideal, of course it’s not, but with that mentality I’ve found that you definitely win more games than not.

‘It’s very disappointing tonight but nothing changes in terms of the way that I see the game. It’s not affected how I see it.’

After a confusing performance and equally head scratching post match press conference the bookies are no longer convinced Carsley is a shoo-in with Thomas Tuchel the new favourite.

The former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager, who is a leading candidate to replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, is into 6/4 from 16/1 with BetMGM to take over the Three Lions ahead of Carsley, who is a big drifter from 1/9 out to 7/4.

Pep Guardiola is another big mover and is into 4/1 from 11/1, while English duo Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are both 8/1.

UK Director at BetMGM, Sam Behar, said: ‘After Thursday night’s defeat to Greece, the money has come in for Thomas Tuchel to take over as England manager.

‘Lee Carsley looked virtually home and hosed at 1/9 but the loss to Greece has seen him drift out to 7/4, with Tuchel the new favourite at 6/1 having been 16/1 yesterday morning.

‘Pep Guardiola is another eye-catching market mover, with the Manchester City manager 4/1 from 11/1.’