Lee Carsley extends contract as England MU21s head coach

Lee Carsley has signed a new contract with the FA through to the end of the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

The news comes as Carsley prepares to lead the Young Lions this month at the 2025 edition in Slovakia, having previously guided the MU21s to success at the 2023 finals.

England have been drawn against Czechia, Slovenia and Germany in the 16-nation tournament with the group-stage matches taking place on 12, 15 and 18 June respectively.

Carsley said: “I’m delighted to extend my time with the FA. It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to work with a young, talented group and help develop them on the international stage.

“While the future is exciting, our immediate priority is this summer’s UEFA U21 EURO in Slovakia as we attempt to emulate the achievement of Dave Sexton’s teams in 1982 and 1984.”

Having been responsible for the age group side since July 2021, Carsley also took interim charge of the senior squad last autumn. He helped them to secure promotion back to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League after finishing top of their four-team section including victories away to Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece.

He has also held various coaching roles across the development team pathway and was briefly in charge of the MU20s. Qualifying for the 2027 UEFA MU21 EURO runs across the 2025-26 season with the final tournament due to be played in Albania in the summer of 2027.