Lee Carsley: Mission accomplished as England foundations laid for Thomas Tuchel
The game changed in the 53rd minute with a flash of inspiration from Harry Kane. Harry Kane was left out by Ollie Watkins in Athens’ 3-0 win and faced some potentially unfavorable comments for a poor first half performance .
The 31-year-old England captain struggled in the first half, looking thick-legged and slow-paced, but he showed when he showed stunning vision and range of passes from the left touchline to the ball He has a lasting quality that makes him priceless. Jude Bellingham delivers a perfect right-footed pass into the box.
Bellingham was knocked down by Ireland defender Liam Scales, who received a second yellow card. The game ended when Kane scored his 69th goal for his country in the penalty shootout.
Kane has been a central figure in Carsley’s reign, particularly in his public and uncharacteristically outspoken criticism of the England players who dropped the pair of internationals.
He then doubled down on his message as he insisted it jeopardized the culture established by former manager Gareth Southgate during his eight years in charge when playing for his country again became a pleasure.
Kane spoke as England captain, senior figure and statesman but that didn’t stop Carsley showing off his decision-making skills by choosing Watkins over the country’s record goalscorer in Athens.
It was a good call and an early goal from the Aston Villa striker turned a potentially dangerous task into an easy one.
Kane remains England’s first choice, but Carsley is willing to use Watkins and the success of the move proves he doesn’t have to be the only option.
Tuchel will feel the benefits of Carsley’s temporary tenure as he is determined to bring in youth and further open up pathways from under-21s to senior players, all aided by his inside knowledge of the talent within the England system .
Carsley used a total of 32 players, including 8 players who made their debuts: Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomez, Lewis Hall, Harwood-Bellis, Curtis Jones , Tino Liveramento, Noni Marduk and Morgan Rogers.
They can all reflect with satisfaction on their contributions, particularly Liverpool midfielder Jones, who has impressed in his two starts, while Chelsea striker Madduk has looked a constant threat.
Gomez has impressed as a midfield option, Gibbs-White showed he can be a creator, while Newcastle’s Hall has a big chance at left-back and Tuchel The selection looks very short.
Rico Lewis and Kobe Manu, 19-year-olds from Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, have also added their experience in England, which will have a positive impact on Carsley’s handover.
