Liverpool star Harvey Elliott knows who he wants as next England coach

Liverpool star Harvey Elliott has thrown his support behind Lee Carsley for the England national team head coaching position, suggesting he's primed for the big job following Gareth Southgate's departure.

The young Liverpool star is also optimistic that Carsley's potential promotion could pave the way for his own entry into the Three Lions' senior squad, as he eagerly awaits his first senior call-up.

Elliott, who flourished under Carsley's guidance during the England Under-21 European Championship campaign last summer, believes his former boss has what it takes to succeed Southgate. Coming off the bench in the final where England clinched victory over Spain, Elliott witnessed firsthand Carsley's managerial prowess.

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With speculation rife about Southgate's successor, names like Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are touted as frontrunners, while fanciful whispers among fans include Pep Guardiola and ext-Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp . Despite doubts cast over Carsley's readiness for such a prestigious position, Elliott has no reservations.

He praised Carsley this week on the Reds' U.S. tour, saying via Mirror Sport : "Lee is an unbelievable manager and an unbelievable guy. He is ready to step up. There have been a lot of big clubs sniffing around him and that is credit to himself and his coaching."

Elliott also expressed his enjoyment playing for England under Carsley's leadership: "Whenever I step on the pitch for England I just have freedom to enjoy my football. I feel like he is ready. They are conversations for them [at the FA]."

Elliott, currently with Liverpool in the U.S., was overlooked for England's senior squad this summer. Despite a standout season at Anfield , he didn't make Southgate's initial 33-man lineup, unlike his teammates Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah, who were later cut to the final 26 for Germany.

The young Liverpool star expressed his disappointment at missing out on a senior call-up, especially as he saw former U21 colleagues like Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill and Anthony Gordon step up to the senior team over the past year.

Reflecting on the situation, Elliott remarked: "For me, it's one of them. Of course I want to be there but they have their certain ways and their players that they monitor and that they want to pick and that's just what they do. At the same time I was disappointed I had a nice break."

He added: "The summer before I had the Euros with the 21s so I didn't get a long break so it was nice for me to unwind and go and see family and chill out and get my head down for this pre-season - especially with the new start I wanted to be fresh and ready to go."