Lee Carsley backtracks on comments hinting he doesn't want England job permanently - as interim boss explains 'reluctance' to make stance on Three Lions role public

After England's 3-1 win over Finland in a Nations League clash on Sunday, interim coach Carsley hinted that he didn't feel ready to take the position full-time as he urged the FA to appoint a 'world-class manager' who is a proven winner.

However, the 50-year-old soon backtracked on his comments, insisting that he would like to remain in contention to be hired - although he is "reluctant" to make his true feelings known. Carsley has managed Harry Kane and Co. in four games so far, out of which they have won three. Their only defeat came in an upset to Greece last week.

When asked if he is out of the race to manage England permanently, Carsley told reporters: "Definitely not. The point I was trying to make is that it is one of the top jobs in the world. I'm not part of the process but it deserves a top coach. The players we have available, we've got a real chance of winning. That was the point I was making. It was the fact that this is a world-class job.

"This will be up there with the best jobs in football. Whoever gets it is going to be at a high level. It is a privilege to do this job and I feel really well trusted. That's why it was so tough the other night to lose the game and have a defeat. The response has been good."

He added: "I'm definitely reluctant because in the past when I have done this caretaker or interim role I have gone so far down the 'I don’t want the job', I've actually not done the job. It was one of the things I spoke about when I was asked to take temporary charge - it's important that I keep an open mind because in that case, then I'm not being reckless with my decisions. I'm thinking thoroughly about how the team should play, the squad I should pick - which is a challenge."

England will be back in action next month as they take on Greece and Ireland in Nations League clashes on November 14 and 17, respectively. Carsley will be in the dugout, but it remains to be seen if those will be his final games in charge.