Humble Lee Carsley to continue second job alongside England that lets him ‘experiment’ before working with Kane and Co
LEE CARSLEY intends to continue his second job coaching youngsters alongside his England duties.
The interim Three Lions boss won his first two games in charge against Ireland and Finland and has four more games to persuade The FA he deserves the job on a permanent basis.
Carsley, 50, has been part of the national set-up since 2020 when he Under-20s manager, but three years ago he took up a second job.
He coaches weekly sessions for young footballers aged between 16 and 21 at the Strachan Football Foundation in Warwick.
Carsley intends to continue in the role as it provides him with a chance to experiment with tactics he could use for England.
It also allows him to coach in between international breaks, which he believes is his biggest strength.
He said of the role: “I still find a way to coach which gives me the chance to practise what I’m going to do with any teams I’m working with.
“I could potentially be practising for two months on what I’m going to try, rather than a day when you’ve got two games in an international window.
“It gives me a chance to experiment and then hopefully deliver it when the (England) players are live.
“I was there in Warwick last Friday (Aug 23). I’ve been doing that for maybe three years. It’s like an education and coaching centre.
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England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day... but he's not the Three Lions' star man
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.
Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.
SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…
Jordan Pickford – 6
Had nothing to do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9
England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.
He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.
Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.
John Stones – 6
Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.
Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.
Rico Lewis – 7
In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.
Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.
Declan Rice – 5
Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.
Angel Gomes – 7
Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.
Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.
Jack Grealish – 7
Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.
Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.
But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.
Harry Kane – 8
Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.
Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.
Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.
SUBS
Levi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6
Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.
Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6
Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.
Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7
Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.
Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6
As with Colwill, little to do.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6
Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.
“The biggest thing you notice when you first come and work internationally is that you stop coaching and I was adamant that wasn’t going to happen to me.
“My biggest strength is coaching so that is one of the things I didn’t want to stop.
“I have other priorities within the job as well. I have to be creative and make sure I have got a couple of hours every week on a Friday morning that I’m able to get out there and try things and get it wrong!”
Carsley admitted he felt out of his comfort zone at times during the international break as he came under fire for not singing the national anthem.
He said: “I definitely don’t feel comfortable, no. I’ve definitely been out of my comfort zone this international window.
“It’s been enjoyable but I’ve had to make sure that every single day I’m producing really high standards, as are the rest of the staff, and everyone seems to have responded.
“We’ve tried to do as good a job as we can. We’ve been fortunate to get two good results and it’s about building on that.”
Roy Keane praised Carsley’s honest admission and is pleased he is staying true to himself.
The pundit said: “Yes he’s very honest. That’s what you like to see.
“He’s not trying to be someone he’s not. Good on him.”