England ‘line up’ Ireland managerial target to replace Gareth Southgate

A former Ireland international could be a contender to take over the England job.

While England finished top of Group C, many fans have called for Southgate to be replaced ahead of their round of 16 game against Slovakia on Sunday evening.

Some travelling supporters took the opportunity to boo the team and throw beer cups at Southgate following their 0-0 draw with Slovenia earlier this week.

The 53-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the tournament and he has previously hinted at moving on once that time comes.

Thomas Tuchel and former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter have previously been linked with the job, but TalkSport now report that the current England under-21 coach Lee Carsley could be the man to take over from Southgate.

The former Ireland midfielder has been a long-term target for the FAI to come in as the successor to Stephen Kenny, but considering that he is already within the FA set up, it's likely that Carsley would be keen to remain in that camp.

Not to mention the fact that the 50-year-old led the England under-21s to Euro glory last summer and turned down the Republic of Ireland job earlier this year.

The FA insist they have not spoken to any potential successors and their desire is for Southgate to lead England to the next World Cup in 2026.

The chances of that are looking increasingly remote, with the 53-year-old coming under intense pressure for England's Euro 2024 performances.

Carsley qualified for the Republic of Ireland national team through his grandmother, who is from Dunmanway, County Cork.

He made his international debut at the U21 level during the 1996 European U21 Championship in a qualifying defeat to Portugal U21.

Carsley won his first cap at senior level in a 1–1 1998 World Cup qualifying draw with Romania on 11 October 1997 and played in Ireland's two playoff matches, which were lost 3–2 on aggregate to Belgium.

He was a regular during Ireland's failed qualifying attempt for Euro 2000 and played in the 1–1 playoff first leg draw with Turkey on 13 November 1999.

Despite having featured in only four matches in the previous 20 months and only one 2002 World Cup qualifier.

Carsley was selected in Mick McCarthy's squad for the 2002 World Cup.

He made one appearance in the tournament, as a late substitute for Mark Kinsella in a 3–0 group stage win over Saudi Arabia.

After taking some time out to focus on his club career at Everton, Carsley returned to international football with a start in a 1–1 Euro 2008 qualifying draw with the Czech Republic on 11 October 2006.

From that point on, Carsley was a regular in Steve Staunton's selections, though Ireland failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

Carsley's 40th and final international cap came in a 1–0 friendly defeat to Brazil at Croke Park on 6 February 2008