LEE CARSLEY has wasted no time in making his case to become England’s next permanent manager.
The Birmingham-born coach, 50, steered the Three Lions to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Republic of Ireland on Saturday – the country he earned 40 caps for during his international career.
A number of candidates have been mentioned when it comes to the long-term successor to Gareth Southgate – Eddie Howe, Graham Potter and Pep Guardiola to name just a few.
But the first 45 minutes in Dublin was the perfect job application for Carsley.
Goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish capped a brilliant half of football, before England took their foot off the gas and coasted to the three points.
So who were the winners and losers from Carsley’s first match in charge? Here are three of each.
Much was made in the lead-up to the game about Carsley deciding not to sing the national anthem against the side he represented as a player.
But that nonsensical argument was forgotten by many just minutes after kick-off as England produced a sensational first-half, scoring twice and dominating the ball with some slick passing moves.
Carsley will have been thrilled with what he saw as fans were instantly given a sample of his style.
The “Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield” experiment was a failure at the Euros as Southgate ditched it after two games.
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Carsley reverted to starting him at right-back against Ireland, while he continued to step into midfield in possession.
He produced a sensational pass for Anthony Gordon in the lead-up to England’s opener and looked supremely assured throughout the match.
With Kyle Walker absent from the squad, this period under Carsley could be the time for the Liverpool star to cement himself as the country’s first-choice.
Grealish admitted it was one of the toughest summer’s of his life after missing out on Southgate’s Euros squad.
But he has responded in the best way, scoring and impressing in the No10 role.
He was involved in some of the Three Lions’ best moves and will be optimistic of another start against Finland on Tuesday.
Skipper Harry Kane may have won the Golden Boot at the Euros, but he still divided opinion with his performances.
On Saturday, he was one of England’s quieter attacking players and will have been frustrated not to score in Carsley’s first match.
Kane, who has 66 goals in 99 caps, would have backed himself to score the headed chance he had in the first half.
England’s early dominance will have impressed many supporters, but others will remain sceptical.
The furore around the national anthem became a sub-plot to the game itself, while Carsley’s pedigree as a manager outside of his success with the U21s will also be used to denigrate his credentials.
He remains the favourite to be appointed permanent boss, but will need to do more to convince the vociferous doubters.
Conor Gallagher will hope his transfer to Atletico Madrid makes him an England regular… but the early signs are not particularly encouraging.
After failing to impress at the Euros, he was an unused substitute in Dublin as he watched Rice, Kobbie Mainoo and Angel Gomes occupy the midfield positions.
With Jude Bellingham still to come back into the fold, a lack of game time against Finland and Gallagher may feel he is surplus to requirements under Carsley.
Noni Madueke is another who will have been disappointed not to get on the pitch for his debut after being selected in the wake of his hat-trick against Wolves.
DECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England's Nations League opener.
Lee Carsley‘s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.
Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England‘s second goal.
Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.
Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.
SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…
JORDAN PICKFORD – 6
Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.
After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7
Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.
Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back.
MARC GUEHI – 7
Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.
Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 7
Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.
When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7
LEVI COLWILL – 7
Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.
Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7
DECLAN RICE – 9
Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.
Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.
He then set up the second for Grealish.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 7
Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.
Was involved in the second goal.
JACK GREALISH – 8
Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.
A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.
ANTHONY GORDON – 6
Looked really lively early on but faded.
He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6
HARRY KANE – 6
Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession.
Subs
Gibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.
Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke.
