admin
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.
BIGGEST WINNERS
Carsley silences anthem noise
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 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.
Trent stars at right-back
The “Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield” experiment was a failure at the Euros as Southgate ditched it after two games.
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 front and centre
Grealish admitted it was one of the toughest summers 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 today.
BIGGEST LOSERS
Goal eludes captain Kane
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.
He’ll no doubt get another chance to notch when he wins his 100th cap today against Finland.
Negative fan reaction to Carsley
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.
Gallagher absent despite Atletico move
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 – Sun.
Online Reporter