“We’ve got the players to not only be competitive, but to win a major trophy” : Lee Carsley sets sight for a permanent role as England head coach
England’s only major trophy came in 58 years ago, winning the 1966 World Cup. Since then, the national team has played in only two finals, in the Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 under Gareth Southgate, amidst making many deep runs in tournaments.
But things are once again seeming to be looking up for the Three Lions, as Gareth Southgate’s successor has arrived with 2-0 wins against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the UEFA Nations League games. Lee Carsley is currently only an interim manager being promoted after good performances with England’s U-21 team, but these victories will certainly boost up his chances of getting the permanent role.
Lee Carsley was recently asked on how he feels getting the ‘Impossible Job’, the reference being the 1994 documentary of Graham Taylor’s time as the England coach. Although, his role may well be an impossible one as it is one of the most difficult jobs for any coach, due to the criticism and scrutiny given to them by media and fans.
“I think it’s a really good job, it’s a job where, when you look at different opportunities, the first thing you think is: ‘Can you win? Can you be in a position where you can win?’ This job definitely ticks that box. We’ve got the players to not only be competitive, but to win a major trophy,” said the interim manager.
“We’re trying to make the most of it” : John Stones on working with Lee Carsley
Gareth Southgate used to receive a lot of criticism for his playstyle, with media and fans complaining about the lack of fluidity and the quality of attack in the final third. This was a fair piece of criticism, as England failed to manage to threaten the penalty box and were one of the worst attacking sides in the Euros, even after having players like Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham at their disposal.
Lee Carsley has brought out a change in the attacking style, which was showcased in the two concluded Nations League games, with players moving forward more freely than before. Manchester City defender John Stones also felt the same way, when he was asked about the changes made by Carsley.
“Building up from the back, trying to get the lads to show their qualities on the ball and have that patience and belief that they show at their clubs and bring it all together as a collective. Everyone has seen a familiar face [Carsley] when we’re at St George’s Park,” said Stones.
“We’ve always been crossing paths and getting to work with him, for me personally and the lads feel the same, we’re trying to make the most of it. Lee and his staff have as well, and we’ve got two great results out of it,” the 30-year-old added.
While the interim manager has started off well, the Three Lions’ main quest will always be acquiring major trophies. The FA are still on the hunt for getting the services of a star manager, but if Carsley can provide similar performances against bigger teams by the end of his tenure, the permanent role may well be his. The Three Lions will be playing four more Nations League matches in October and November, making it the perfect opportunity for Lee Carsley to showcase his abilities as a manager.
