Lee Carsley targets lasting legacy with England Under-21s

England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley is targeting a lasting legacy with the Young Lions as his squad sits top of Group D, holding a three-point lead over Slovakia. Reflecting on his decision to remain in the post rather than pursue club management opportunities, Carsley emphasized his commitment to the international setup. The older you get, you want to leave a legacy, don’t you? Carsley said. There would have been an easy move, after the first win, to go and do club management and go and accept a few of the offers. But I enjoy the job I’m doing and I enjoy that I’m part of a bigger quest to win a major tournament. I want to be part of the FA when we do that.

Chasing History and Embracing the Pressure

England’s recent success at this level includes a win in 2023 across Georgia and Romania under Carsley, followed by last summer’s extra-time victory over Germany in Bratislava secured by Jonathan Rowe’s strike. Those wins ended a 39-year drought for the Young Lions following previous titles in 1982 and 1984. Entering the current qualifying campaign as reigning champions brings unique challenges, according to the former Everton and Derby midfielder.

I think we have to embrace that, Carsley said. They come to play for the under-21s, you’re back-to-back champions. There’s a bullseye that goes with that. We have to be aware of that and go for it.

The manager also cautioned against looking too far ahead in tournament projections. The expectancy, we’ll just get through the group and then we’ll win the quarters, we’ll win the semis and then we’ll just win the final… it’s very difficult, he noted. My priority is definitely qualifying and then that’s something I’ll think about.