After the chaos of their defeat to Greece, England regained some control on the pitch with a 3-1 Nations League win over Finland at the Olympic Stadium. Although much of the game lacked excitement, it was highlighted by a stunning free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Off the field, however, uncertainty persists. Doubts about whether interim coach Lee Carsley, the FA’s preferred candidate to replace Gareth Southgate permanently, even wants the role overshadowed the build-up to the match.

Despite the win, England appears to be in a period of stagnation, awaiting either Carsley’s decision or the FA’s appointment of a permanent manager after the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

After the failed tactics in the Greece match, Carsley opted for a more cautious strategy this time, with standout performances from Angel Gomes and Jack Grealish.

Yet, the game was still clouded by the uncertainty surrounding the next manager. England may not be as dominant as some supporters think, but they still possess some of the most talented players in the game.

Carsley has repeatedly declined to express interest in taking the England job permanently, despite regular media inquiries. On the eve of this match, reports even suggested he might not want the position at all.

If true, this doesn’t reflect poorly on Carsley—in fact, it might be the opposite. It suggests he is not driven by the same intense ambition that defines many other coaches, indicating he may have different priorities in life.

However, this situation poses challenges for the FA. The ongoing uncertainty has caused confusion within the hierarchy and among fans, creating a leadership vacuum within the England setup.

The lack of clarity has also stalled the team’s development following Gareth Southgate’s exit. When Carsley seemed likely to take over, the Nations League games, despite being less significant, still had a sense of direction.