Lee Carsley: England Under-21 boss eyes hat-trick of Euro titles for Young Lions

Carsley’s second successive European Championship triumph with England U21s is further evidence of why he is held in such high regard by the Football Association.

His period in interim charge of the senior team, in between Sir Gareth Southgate’s departure and the appointment of Tuchel, was, by and large, successful with five wins from six games.

The low point was the 2-1 home defeat to Greece, when Carsley’s ultra-attacking selection backfired spectacularly and, at times, he looked uncomfortable in the unforgiving spotlight that shines on England’s manager. It was a selection and result at Wembley that raised question marks about his credentials for the top job.

This is why he relished a return to what he has done best, coaching and moulding the younger generations into the cohesive, successful unit England have become.

Players speak in glowing terms about Carsley’s coaching and methods, and his latest success only raises his reputation further.

After Tuchel’s indifferent start as England coach, history is starting to look more kindly on Carsley’s brief tenure, but leading the U21s still looks much more of a comfortable fit than the senior side and returning to his main role was the right move.

England’s final success over Germany may, however, create a complication for the FA further down the road.

Carsley’s work will no doubt attract attention from clubs seeking a progressive manager, but the FA will be comfortable with that because he signed a new deal to 2027, stating consistently he is happy where he is.

And the FA is certainly happy with him.