How England could line up under Lee Carsley
- Carsley named as interim England manager ahead of Nations League fixtures
- England searching for new boss to replace Gareth Southgate
- Analysing how his tactics would work for England
Lee Carsley has been named as England interim manager while they search for a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate, who announced his decision to step down after Euro 2024.
The Under-21 boss will take charge of England's upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures and could even be offered the role full-time, similar to how Southgate was first promoted to the senior team.
But how will a team with Carsley at the helm look? Here's how he may line up the squad.
GK: James Trafford
Could James Trafford earn a spot in the England senior squad with Carsley at the helm? The Burnley shot stopper was called up to Southgate's provisional squad for the European Championship but was left out of the final group that headed to Germany.
For the U21 squad, Trafford is a hero - highly-regarded for his crucial last minute penalty save that saw the Young Lions crowned European champions in 2023.
Carsley knows Trafford, and would trust him between the sticks for England.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold is exactly the type of player who would benefit from a Carsley system. He likes to play with a ball-dominant system - something that the Liverpool star would fit into with ease.
Alexander-Arnold could drive the high press without the ball and use his technical skills to create a strong backline for England.
Playing in midfield at Euro 2024 didnt work, but he could shine under Carsley at right-back.
CB: Jarell Quansah
Another Liverpool star, Jarell Quansah, could earn a spot in Carsley's England side.
The 21-year-old is seriously talented and after a breakthrough season at Liverpool during the 2023/24 campaign - he may have put forward his argument for a place in the Three Lions squad.
Outperforming Ibrahima Konate down the stretch at club level last season, saw him receive a call-up to Southgate's pre-Euro training camp.
His time in an England shirt is sure to come soon.
CB: Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill has been given numerous opportunities at a youth level for England, Carsley likes him, and he'd fit in well in this team. He just missed out on a spot at Euro 2024, but fans were soon questioning whether Southgate had made the right choice to leave him out.
He works well under Carsley - waiting with the ball to antagonise the opponent before initiating attacks. The interim boss appreciates technical players, and a defender like Colwill could be just what the England squad are missing out on.
LB: Joe Gomez
Joe Gomez was snubbed multiple times at Euro 2024, but with Carsley at the helm, there's more chance the Liverpool star could grab the left-back role.
Gomez is capable of playing on the left flank, having proven that on many occasions for Liverpool. His pace and ability would work well in a Carsley squad that prioritises fast, pressing football.
England's left-back situation is not great, and while Luke Shaw remains the nation's best option in this role, his injury record is hard to ignore. In you come, Joe.
DM: Declan Rice
Carsley, Southgate, no matter who is on the touchline, Declan Rice will feature in the team. He's technically gifted, a leader on and off the pitch, and ultimately a fantastic defensive midfielder.
Carsley will probably want to play him in a pivot role, however, which may affect his ability to run free. But on his day, Rice is a rentless runner, working in the background to ensure his team thrive up and down the pitch.
His ball-winning skills would be so useful in a side like this. Fast football is what the team needs.
DM: Curtis Jones
Welcome Curtis Jones, Declan Rice's new England midfield partner. Jones' has been calling out for his breakthrough into the senior squad, and this could finally be the way he earns his spot in the team.
He could sit alongside Rice in midfield, a pairing that could turn out to be immense. His ability to play ball-dominant football has been admired by Carsley, who relied on Jones heavily at youth level.
As a holding midfielder in a double pivot role, Jones, another Euro 2024 provisional, would be ideal.
RW: Bukayo Saka
He's one of the best left-footed right wingers in the world, so Bukayo Saka grabs this spot easily.
Saka is a creative force and is capable of playing killer balls in dangerous positions. Carsley likes to empower his players to make decisions, something the Arsenal man would grab with both hands.
Saka's position on the right allows him to cross in-swinging balls towards the back post for chances.
AM: Jude Belingham
This is where Jude Bellingham played for Real Madrid throughout last season, so this is where Carsley should play him for England, simple.
Utilising Bellingham in an advanced role like this makes complete sense. Here, he is able to score goals and fire balls towards the goal, especially with attacking talent all around him.
LW: Phil Foden
Phil Foden received a lot of criticism during the Euros. Now, his England redemption arc begins.
Foden's Manchester City career is immense. He's rated as one of the Premier League's best players. It's seemingly tough to translate that on the international stage, but his role could be slightly different under Carsley.
If he's given the freedom to control a game and move into pockets of space, he'll create ample chances. It's time for Foden to prove that he can work in a non-Pep Guardiola system.
ST: Harry Kane
Carsley could go in a slightly different direction here, but his safest option may be to continue allowing all-time reocrd goalscorer Harry Kane to lead the line.
He's another player who came under fire at Euro 2024, but Kane is a fantastic striker, and given the right support he will always find the net.
In an intense, pressing system, Kane may be fed more chances. More chances equals more goals, equals more happy England fans.
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