Liverpool star Harvey Elliott backs ‘unbelievable manager’ to replace Gareth Southgate as England boss

Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has backed England’s under-21 coach Lee Carsley to replace Gareth Southgate, who recently resigned as the national team head coach. Carsley has already made a name for himself with his impressive resume, which includes leading the under-21 side to Euro Championship glory.

Elliott has often played under Carsley, making 20 appearances and partaking in their Euro win in 2023. He believes that the coach can take the next step to the senior national team, with the Three Lions gearing up for the 2026 World Cup.Speaking about Carsley potentially getting the job, the Liverpool midfielder said (via Daily Mail):

“Absolutely. Lee is an unbelievable manager and an unbelievable guy. He is ready to step up. There have been a lot of big clubs sniffing around him and that is credit to himself and his coaching. Whenever I step on the pitch for England I just have freedom to enjoy my football. I feel like he is ready. They are conversations for them (at the FA).”

Elliot would also not mind the opportunity of getting a promotion to the first team, having played regularly under Carsley. He added:
“Of course I want to be there. But they have their certain ways and their players that they monitor and that they want to pick and that’s just what they do.”

It wouldn’t be the first time that a coach has been promoted from the under-21 position to lead the first team. This notably happened with Southgate, who eventually led the Three Lions to two consecutive Euro finals before deciding to resign from the post.

Carsley will be taking on a rather strenuous role if he is appointed as the England manager. England are currently still waiting for an international trophy, with their last being the 1966 World Cup.