England interim manager Lee Carsley has backed away from taking the job full-time by suggesting he would like to return to his previous role as Under-21 manager.

Carsley is the favorite to succeed Gareth Southgate as permanent manager after being given charge by the FA for three international spells in September, October and November. He appeared to have boosted his chances with victories over the Republic of Ireland and Finland last month.

But after a shock 2-1 defeat to Greece – England’s first ever loss to the Greeks – at Wembley on Thursday, the 50-year-old appeared to play down his prospects.

“I was quite surprised after the last camp in terms of ‘the job is mine’ and ‘it’s mine to lose’ and all the rest of it,” Carsley told a news conference. “My assignment has been clear from the start. I am doing three camps. There are still three games to go and then hopefully I will go back to the Under-21s.”

Carsley was asked to clarify whether he “hoped” to return to working with the Under-21s, but instead declined to be drawn on whether or not he wants the senior job after the next break.

“I said in the beginning that I wouldn’t rule myself in or out, and that’s still the case,” he said. “I feel comfortable in my position where I am now and the assignment is clear. I feel comfortable there and confident. After the first camp I didn’t get too excited or believe in it too much “I’m very aware that this is one of the best courses in the world in terms of the chance of actually winning a big race.”

Meanwhile, Carsley confirmed that Bukayo Saka will undergo tests after the Arsenal striker limped off early in the second half against Greece.

“He is being assessed,” he said. “I think in the build-up to the first goal you could clearly see that he felt something in his leg.”