ENGLAND interim manager Lee Carsley has impressed fans with his squad selection ahead of next month’s Nations League fixtures.
Carsley was appointed by the FA earlier this month following Gareth Southgate‘s departure.
He named his first 26-man squad on Thursday afternoon, handing maiden call-ups to four players – Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento.
But some eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice a change of position for some players.
Liverpool favourite Trent Alexander-Arnold was listed as a defender rather than a midfielder, which is what Southgate considered him.
Similarly, Manchester City’s Phil Foden was listed as a midfielder as opposed to a forward.
Many fans criticised Foden’s performances on the wing throughout Euro 2024 and begged Southgate to play him in the centre of midfield.
But Carsley appears to have moved both back to their original positions.
Discussing his choice to shift Alexander-Arnold back into defence, he said: “For me, this camp especially, he’ll be playing in defence as a right-back.
“I think Trent is like a lot of modern-day full-backs. They have a lot of all-round attributes that turn them into midfielders.
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“He’s very confident on the ball and has a great range of passing.”
Fans are thrilled with Carsley’s decision, with one person taking to social media to write: “Thank god. Give him the job permanently.”
Another commented: “Lee Carsley utilise Trent correctly and I will be singing God Save the King to the top of my lungs.”
A third said: “It’s beautiful to behold. So much to love about that squad.”
While a fourth wrote: “I think it’s interesting he listed Foden and Palmer as midfielders and Trent in defenders.
“Southgate put them as forwards and Trent as a midfielder, it’s already an improvement, he seems to understand profiles. No Walker, thank you.”
Carsley has named Ashley Cole as his assistant for the foreseeable future.
England have two Nations League games scheduled for next month.
The Three Lions first travel to Ireland before hosting Finland at Wembley.
