Lee Carsley, the interim England manager, is confident about his vision for the team’s future success. Although he didn’t explicitly express his desire for the permanent position, his squad selection and philosophy suggest he has a clear plan in mind.

Carsley wants England to dominate games, maintaining possession and creating scoring opportunities. He believes this approach is essential to winning major tournaments, such as the Euros and World Cup.

Carsley’s Under 21 team won the European Championship in 2019, beating Spain in the final. He reflects on that victory, saying, “I didn’t think we actually had control that day, but we won the game.” This experience has taught him the importance of controlling the game to achieve success.

As the new head coach, Carsley’s approach will be scrutinized, especially in the context of the previous Southgate era. Southgate’s England reached the European Championship final in 2020, but faced criticism for their playing style. Carsley’s squad selection, which includes debut call-ups for Tino Livramento and Angel Gomes, signals a fresh start.

Carsley offered debut call ups to the likes of Tino Livramento (left) and Angel Gomes (right)

Carsley’s approach is focused on building a strong foundation, which he believes is essential for success. He has extensive coaching experience, from driving the minibus for Coventry’s Under 18s to coaching the college team at Solihull. This background has prepared him for the challenges ahead.

In his current position, Carsley is determined to make the most of the talent at his disposal. He acknowledges that the current crop of players is exceptional and believes that someone needs to get the best out of them. Whether he will be the one to do so remains to be seen.