England interim boss Lee Carsley says everyone in the Three Lions squad has a chance of playing against Finland on Tuesday.
Carsley coached his first win since temporarily taking over from Gareth Southgate against the Republic of Ireland, the nation he represented during his playing days.
But the former Under-21s coach will be looking to make it six points from six in September when Finland travel to Wembley for a UEFA Nations League match.
Carsley went strong with his first team and although he is expected to do so again, he says there will be changes and that everyone has a chance of playing.
Speaking in his press conference before the game, he said: “They all have a chance of playing.
“The level the players have trained at puts everyone in with a chance of playing.
Lee Carsley has immediately been impressed by Harry Kane’s commitment 👏
He’ll earn his 100th England cap against Finland 🏴 pic.twitter.com/619qZ21PyN
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) September 9, 2024
“We have been very fortunate that having lost the other three lads [Phil Foden, Ollie Watkins and Cole Palmer] early, we have been able to keep everyone else fit.”
It’s not something I’ve thought about recently. It was a really proud moment the other day to be on the sideline, another great night hopefully for the players.
“Really looking forward to the game. We’ve had another couple of good sessions in between the last match, so I’m excited by it.
“We’ll make two or three changes, freshen things up a little bit. What I’ve noticed with this group is how motivated they are to do well.”
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A new environment
Carsley has not had much time to stamp his authority on the England squad, but there appeared to be a fresh new energy about the players in the 2-0 win against Ireland.
He says that the aim is to continue moving forward for however long he is in charge for.
“We have to be mindful that we’ve had six sessions now, in total.
It’s time to head live to @SpursOfficial‘s training ground 🚨@HKane and Lee Carsley are here to preview tomorrow’s #NationsLeague game against Finland… 🗣️ https://t.co/qP9y4pjOo2
— England (@England) September 9, 2024
“There’s one or two things we have adjusted and tried to implement but I think we spoke about this a while back.
“There were a lot of good things already happening. We have just tried to make a few adjustments as opposed to wholesale changes.
“The players are open to trying something different or maybe being a bit more risky in certain areas.
“Hopefully we can show people on Tuesday again that we are moving forward.”
Captain Harry Kane admits that there is a new energy at St George’s Park and that he has enjoyed working with Carsley.
He added: “It has been really good. A new energy into the place especially after the disappointing end to the summer.
“It has been great to work with the boss so far. He’s brought his ideas, how he wants us to play. I think the lads have enjoyed it.
“We’ve got a good mixture of youth and experience in the team. You’re seeing the excited faces of some of the new players.”
One day until matchday! 😃 pic.twitter.com/iwsUQRx63D
— England (@England) September 9, 2024
The next permanent England boss?
Naturally, Carsley was again asked if he wanted the England job on a permanent basis.
The fact he has been given three camps to impress suggests the FA favours appointing him if he does well.
But Carsley was adamant the spotlight should be on the players and not him.
He said: “I think it’s quite clear I am doing the three camps. I’m really happy with that, if it changes also I’m happy with that.
“I’m very privileged in the position I’m in, in terms of the under-21s. I have enjoyed it so far.
“The important thing is the team as opposed to the coaches – they should be the ones in the spotlight and getting the attention.”
