LEE CARSLEY is now convinced he has what it takes to be England boss — having doubted he could do the job.
The Three Lions interim manager switches his attention to Tuesday’s Nations League game with Finland at Wembley following Saturday’s morale-boosting 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland.
Carsley, who led the Under-21s to Euros glory last year, said: “You always think it’s easy to be the England manager when you’re sat in the house but there have been times where I’ve thought, ‘I’m not sure I could do it’.
“It’s done my confidence good (against Ireland). And the rest of the staff.
“That, actually, we’re OK, we’ll be all right. I spoke about it at the first press conference, that I am a safe pair of hands.
“We’re in a good position with the players.”
Asked whether he doubted himself, Carsley said: “You always think about it.
“It’s natural to have our doubts — going into the Euros with the 21s, with the record that we’d had, there was a worry we could have gone home in ten days.
“But I’ve learnt with experience, and dealing with setbacks.
“Having good people around you, it gets easier.”
The former Everton midfielder also insisted he has been helped by FA technical director John McDermott, who is leading the search for Gareth Southgate’s successor.
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Carsley added: “We’ve got a really good relationship. I’m highly supported by John.
“The fact he trusts me to take the job on an interim basis was a massive boost to my confidence.
“He just said to me, ‘Well done, it’s a good start — make sure we win on Tuesday’.”
Carsley, 50, is likely to remain in charge for the five remaining Nations League games this year.
If England avoid defeat and continue to perform, he then looks set to get the job permanently.
The Three Lions’ World Cup qualifying bid is due to start in March but they could still be involved in Nations League play-offs or end up having to play at least one friendly.
The draw for the 2026 qualifiers is in December.
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.
