ENGLAND fans are warming to Lee Carsley for his refreshing tactics after the interim manager promised “exciting” football.
Carsley, 50, began life after Gareth Southgate with a 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland on Saturday thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.
It was the first of six matches Carsley has been guaranteed as he looks to make the case for him to be given the job permanently.
England fans have been craving exciting and entertaining football, which wasn’t necessarily a top priority for the defensive minded Southgate.
And Carsley’s latest comments have ignited optimism and joy among the Three Lions faithful who were keen to move away from the conservative tactics employed under the old regime.
Before England face Finland on Tuesday, Carsley said: “I made a decision when I went into coaching that I wanted to play attacking football.
“I want us to be playing with control but it’s important we’re exciting to watch.
“I think when fans come to watch England play at home they expect attacking football, they expect chances to be created and to play with a tempo and us to be on the ball. It’s entertainment.”
One happy England fan wrote on X: “This is music to our ears.”
While another wrote: “How refreshing is that!”
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A third said: “Carsley’s football is fast and forward-thinking build up play. What’s not to love? ”
Carsley played a 4-2-3-1 formation when he lifted the Euros with the U21s in 2023, placing emphasis on dominating the ball and taking chances.
But his first senior game at the helm was not without its controversy as Irish fans booed and abused Rice and Grealish after they switched allegiances under Southgate.
Carsley then refused to sing ‘God Save the King’ after earning 40 Irish caps during his career, before accidentally taking a seat in Ireland’s dugout.
But former England striker Gary Lineker, 63, hailed the inclusion of Anthony Gordon, Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold in Saturday’s win.
Speaking on The Rest is Football, he said: “It’s interesting as well, isn’t it, that perhaps some of the things fans were most disappointed about in the Euros – well, probably three things, maybe more.
“But everyone wanted Gordon to play on the left because we all saw a weakness and an unbalance on that side. Grealish was left out entirely which bemused fans and Southgate never really trusted Trent.
“In the first game Carsley has come up with all these things and a lot of us are going ‘you see? We told you’.”
The Three Lions host Finland on Tuesday in Carsley’s first game at Wembley as boss.
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.
