Joleon Lescott opens up on future plans following Lee Carsley’s England departure

Joleon Lescott has no plans to return to the England Under-21s with Lee Carsley following the end of their brief stint in charge of the senior team.

Lescott, a former Manchester City defender and now a club ambassador, linked back up Carsley during his spell as interim manager and guided England to Nations League promotion. Lescott had previously worked with Carsley at Under-21 level and was part of the coaching group who won the Euros in 2023.

The 42-year-old left that position after the tournament in Georgia, but rejoined Carsley for the six games at senior level earlier this year. Reports had suggested he planned to embark in a career as a sporting director.

Lescott remains coy about his future plans but admitted he does not intend to return to the Under-21s with Carsley, who now hands the reins of the senior squad to the incoming Thomas Tuchel.

“ I haven't planned to go back with Lee,” the ex-centre-back told Manchester World at a recent CUPRA Pro Am Padel tournament. “Obviously, Lee joins back with the 21s. I wasn't with the 21s before, but there's going to be conversations between me and Lee and the staff there.

“We've still got a bit of work to do in regards to reviewing the camps and gathering as much information as we can for Thomas and his team. There's still a bit of work to do, but it was a great experience.

“I don't know [what’s next],” he added. “I'm here playing padel today. I've got a sensible few weeks now - a bit of punditry, enjoyment, family time. So a variety of different things, and that's how I think that's how I get the best of myself.”

England won five of their six games under Carsley, the exception being a 2-1 loss to Greece at Wembley in October when the interim boss selected an experimental line-up. A thank you message was displayed on the screens when the former Everton midfielder bowed out with a 5-0 win over the Republic of Ireland last week.

The temporary coaching staff also helped increase the pool of players available to Tuchel with eight players handed debuts during that period, including ex-City youngsters Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Morgan Rogers. It’s something Lescott and co are extremely proud of.

“That thought process was considered when giving Lee the opportunity,” he explained. “There was an opportunity to bed in new players and they’re players that he's developed and been a part of.

“I was grateful to be a part of that, and Lee fully deserved the opportunity to manage at the highest level. He can be proud of what he achieved.”

Tuchel is set to begin in January and will oversee England’s World Cup qualifying campaign and, presuming they secure their place at the tournament, will take charge of the side at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

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