Roy Keane says England's Under 21s head coach, Lee Carsley, 'is in prime position' to become the next full-time manager of the senior men's national team.
Keane, speaking to ITV alongside Ian Wright at Wembley for coverage of the Community Shield, wished Carsley luck, after the English-born Irish manager was appointed England's interim head coach on Friday.
Both pundits gave Carsley their backing, after being questioned on his potential capability for the role.
And asked if a full-time appointment would be warrented, Ian Wright gave his seal of approval, saying: 'Absolutely… I think it's very deserved. He's done very well with the U21s.
The FA released a statement stating Carsley had been given the job on an interim basis, and will take charge of England for their next two fixtures in September, and likely a third in October.
Lee Carsley (centre) has been appointed England's interim head coach into Autumn
Roy Keane (left) and Ian Wright (right) have given the former England U21s boss their backing
The statement added the appointment was with 'a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn while the FA’s recruitment process for a new permanent head coach continues.'
The Three Lions will play away to the Republic of Ireland on September 7, and then at home to Finland on September 10, on match days one and two of the Nations League, respectively.
They continue their Nations League campaign at home to Greece, on October 10.
Keane and Wright both said the forthcoming games are the 50-year-old manager's opportunity to stake a claim for the job permanently.
'Timing is key for any manager to get an opportunity,' Keane said. 'With the games coming up, you'd expect England to win them both, so he's in prime position to get the job.
'He obviously lacks experience, he's not managed that long. But good luck to him.
'I played with Lee and he's a nice lad, and he's goht this opportunity, so let's see if he can go and take it.'
Wright concurred, urging Carsley to draw inspiration from both Southgate's career as England manager, and his own success managing the men's U21s.
The former England and Arsenal striker, said: 'Just like the players, you play at that level to try and get to the very top. Why shouldn't [Carsley] do that?'
'We saw what happened with Gareth. He knows the players, and we're talking about someone who won the U21 Euros last season – six games and no goals conceded.
'He's a candidate. I think he's very fortunate to have those three games to stake a claim so you only wish him all the very best.'
Carsley had been the men's U21 head coach since July 2021, and last year led the Young Lions to their first UEFA U21 European Championship since 1984.
Speaking on pundit duty for ITV, Keane said Carsley was in 'prime position' for the job full-time
Carlsey led England U21s to their first UEFA European Championship since 1984, last year
Prior to that, Carsley held various coaching roles across England’s development teams and was briefly in charge of England men's U20s.
He has also been involved in the men's senior team's last three major tournaments, by supporting in a wider technical role at UEFA EURO 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and UEFA EURO 2024 in Germany.
Carsley also has extensive experience at club level, having worked closely with the first teams at Coventry City, Sheffield United, Brentford, Manchester City and Birmingham City.
As a player, the Birmingham-born midfielder made 340 top flight appearances and won 40 caps for Republic of Ireland including playing at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.