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By Kieran Lynch Published: 23: 14 AEST, 6 September 2024 | Updated: 23: 14 AEST, 6 September 2024 8 View comments Former England international Adam Lallana is confident that Lee Carsley is the 'best candidate' to succeed Gareth Southgate. The interim Three Lions is preparing for his first game as manager against the Republic of Ireland on Saturday night. Lallana worked under Carsley for the England Under-21 side last season so knows how the former Everton midfielder operates coaching a team. The 50-year-old will be hoping to do enough to persuade those above him to give him the job on a permanent basis. Lallana in a column with The Times, said Carsley is nothing like the 'tenacious pitbull' he was as a player when it comes to coaching. Lee Carsley is preparing for his first game as manager of the senior Three Lions squad Adam Lallana (right) says Carsley (centre) is the 'best candidate' for the permanent role Lallana said Carsley (right) is nothing like what he was as a player in his coaching career He said: 'As a coach, though, he is nothing like that. He has a soft side to him, he is caring and, simply put, he is someone you want to fight and do well for. 'That goes for players and staff and, having had the good fortune to work under him with England Under-21 last season, there is no doubt in my mind that he is the best candidate to succeed Gareth Southgate in the long term. ' The former Liverpool star, who has recently returned to Southampton via Brighton, said that Carsley will take on a very 'hands-on' approach with his coaching. Lallana said: 'He is meticulous in his preparation. 'He is also very hands-on as a coach and that will be different for some of the more senior players in the set-up who had grown accustomed to Gareth having an overseeing role and his assistant Steve Holland leading sessions. 'That does not mean it is better or worse, just a change to what they have known. ' Gareth Southgate left the England job after the Three Lions lost in the Euro 2024 final Carsley is hoping to do enough to secure the job on a permanent role going forward Lallana added that Carsley is 'very big' on his team sticking together at all times and will be at an advantage due to the fact that he knows many of the players in the set-up having worked with them in the past. The Southampton midfielder took on a coaching role under Carsley in September 2023, to coincide with his on-field duties at club level. Ashley Cole was also part of the set-up and has been brought along with Carsley to the senior squad. Published by Associated Newspapers Ltd Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group