Lee Carsley getting permanent England job discussed after opening two victories (original) (raw)

Lee Carsley's chances of becoming permanent England boss discussed after opening wins

England rounded off the first batch of international fixtures under the guidance of Lee Carsley by beating Finland 2-0 at Wembley, adding to their win over Republic of Ireland in Dublin

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Double delight for England centurion Harry Kane in win over Finland

England's bold new era is officially underway...and underway without a hitch.

Lee Carsley took charge of his first Three Lions matches in the last week, as he begins his audition to be named Gareth Southgate's permanent successor. Southgate stepped down earlier this year after England suffered more heartbreak in a European Championship final.

In keeping with the Football Association's want for promotion from within, Carsley was given the first crack after being handed the reigns on an interim basis. And his first camp concluded with two competitive victories, four goals scored, none conceded and a fresh stamp already on the national team.

Wins over Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League mean that - in his limited time in the dugout - he has done all he can to impress Wembley decision makers. But what have our reporters at Mirror Football made of it?

We asked John Cross (JC), Andy Dunn (AD), Jeremy Cross (JeC) and Ryan Taylor for their initial thoughts on Carsley, those benefitting most from his stewardship, and whether he has already done enough to earn the job on a full-time basis...

What is your No 1 thought about Lee Carsley's England?

JC: Exciting. Bizarrely, Lee Carsley does not like the term “Carsball.” But this is open, expansive football with movement and players interchanging. The goals have felt like club goals because there is understanding, passing and interaction. Love the football.

AD: It looks like a well-balanced, attractive but uncomplicated side. Players are operating in positions that bring out the best in them and that has to be a good thing. It has not been seriously tested in a defensive sense but it looks like one that will create plenty of chances.

Lee Carsley, alongside his assistant Ashley Cole, made it two from two at Wembley vs Finland

JeC: That the future is bright. Not necessarily because of Carsley himself, because he still has it all to prove, but because of the depth of talent available to him moving forward. And there are signs he wants his biggest talents to express themselves more. Which has to be a huge positive.

RT: What’s refreshing about Lee Carsley is that he is willing to mix things up and call upon young players that would previously have had their work cut out trying to make the squad, especially his former under-21 starlets.

It is only two matches but does this genuinely feel like a new era?

JC: Yes. It’s because Carsley has brought in a new generation - the likes of Angel Gomes, Noni Madueke and Morgan Gibbs-White - to really blend into the squad. I love young players - they bring an energy and a vibe. They are complementing established big stars.

AD: Yes, it does, if only because the Gareth Southgate era had run its course. While some of them are unavoidable - and we have already had the National Anthem saga - there will be fewer off-the-pitch issues that the manager will feel compelled to get involved in.

JeC: No, not really. Carsley has hardly re-invented the wheel. He’s just tinkered with the foundations Gareth Southgate left him, while adding a few more of his own. But those additions have looked promising when it comes to the building blocks of a bright future ahead for the Three Lions.

RT: There has been a fresh feel to the squad and while some of the attacking play has been bright, I haven’t noticed huge differences to the football that has been played besides the use of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Angel Gomes as a deep-lying No 6.

Which player impressed you the most – and why?

Trent Alexander-Arnold has been one of the clear success stories in the early weeks of Carsley's reign (

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Getty Images)

JC: Trent Alexander-Arnold. I have always loved this player but now Carsley is focusing on his strengths rather than his weaknesses. If you play in a set way then he can’t play as a full back who needs to defend. We’ve seen the best of him because he has been given freedom.

AD: Trent Alexander-Arnold. Sure, his heavily-analysed defensive vulnerability will be tested when England play top-class opposition - which won’t be for a long while - but the Liverpool man has been creatively imperious for Carsley. How has he only got 31 caps?

JeC: Angel Gomes grew into the game against Finland on his first start but Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a revelation in both matches. Has Carsley unlocked the secret to the Liverpool star when it comes to the international stage? By playing him at right-back, maybe? Who’d have thought it, eh?

RT: Trent Alexander-Arnold. I have never understood those that have tried to put him down over the years. Kyle Walker has had an unbelievable career but after two Man Of The Match awards, Trent must be a key player moving forward. He is an incredible talent.

What would you like to see from Carsley's side in next month's fixtures?

JC: The likes of Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden get a chance. They are three of England’s best players - and they were missing. That’s incredible strength in depth. I do want to see him carrying on showing he can get the best out of the best.

AD: More of the same. It would be good if they were tested by the Greeks and had to show some defensive nous and it will be interesting to see how he uses Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. It would also be good to see an increased threat from set-pieces.

JeC: To play on the front foot and create more chances. Having the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer back in contention will help, so the key to success will be how Carsley fits all of the pieces into his talented and exciting jigsaw. Good luck with that, mate.

RT: Improvement and two convincing victories. Momentum is important in international football, particularly for a new manager (on trial). Spain’s Luis de la Fuente put together a great run before winning Euro 2024 following his appointment. Fresh faces in the squad are always welcome, too.

Based on these two matches, would you give Lee Carsley the job full-time?

JC: Yes. I’ve always felt the FA want to give him the job - and I can see why. I love the fact no-one listened to that bigoted nonsense over the anthem. Let him do it his way. Gareth Southgate did a super job but now we need a new face. And I’d go Carsley for his football and he’s been fun.

AD: Yes. I was in the Carsley camp prior to this double-header and nothing has changed. This is a squad that is full of good characters and, in truth, it does not need much managing. It needs a coach who can come up with more than one game plan - and Carsley can do that.

A Jurgen Klopp appointment may appear exciting, but remains highly unlikely (

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Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

JeC: Yes. Jurgen Klopp would be a more exciting appointment but the harsh realities are that the FA want someone from the St George’s Park pathway, and Carsley is the only choice. Carsley, though, is a good coach who will remain considered and level headed. The tools are all there for him to succeed.

RT: I am reluctant to pass judgement just yet. The next England boss needs to win a major tournament. Carsley’s under-21 Euro success suggests he has the tactical acumen but equally the Republic or Ireland and Finland have both been very poor opposition.

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