It is no secret that it would be good for the FA if Carsley was successful.
Before Greece’s defeat last week, a senior FA source said he felt the process was “going well”.
This smooth transition, following in Southgate’s footsteps, will support the work being done at St George’s Park to create pathways for players and coaches through the youth set-up into the senior team.
FA technical director John McDermott and CEO Mark Bullingham have been playing key roles in the recruitment process, and there will be even more talk about Carsley’s final camp in November following last week’s results.
When asked whether they had conducted any interviews with potential candidates, the FA was not commenting or offering guidance in any way – giving room for media debate about the process and which candidates. It is possible
It is true that recruitment for most other jobs is confidential and the FA believes its process should be no different.
The FA has always made it clear it wants the best man available and Pep Guardiola – widely acknowledged as the world’s best coach – will be out of contract at Manchester City at the end of the season. He has been linked with a role in the media, but whether he could extend his contract for a fourth time at City – and whether he could be tempted financially by the FA is another question.
Two nights before the England match in Helsinki there were reports that former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had been in contact with the FA, later denied by his agent. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is another name linked with former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
On Sunday, Carsley said the England manager needs to be a “world-class coach”, but then attempted to clarify that he was not ruling himself out of the permanent job on that basis.
BBC Radio 5 Live correspondent John Murray said, “Confusion is rampant,” but perhaps only externally.
“There is a smack of keeping all options open within the FA. It’s possible that Carlesley’s England could convincingly win their final two group matches next month, top the group and gain promotion to the top tier of the Nations League.
“It is also possible that the top trophy-winning coach mentioned by Carsley is either not available now or will become available only later. So all options are kept open.
“And so the guessing game out there will likely continue over the next month.”