Lee Carsley has found his groove again, ready to tackle the latest challenge of managing the England squad. With Bukayo Saka sidelined due to injury, Carsley faces fewer dilemmas in attack, especially with the return of Harry Kane and Jack Grealish, both poised to make an impact against Finland.
Carsley, now on a six-match mission, seems focused on doing his best while keeping his options open for a potential permanent role. The question of whether he wants the top job has become a bit of a sideshow amidst a series of Nations League fixtures that lack excitement—not just for the fans, but seemingly for the players, too, especially after the recent defeat to Greece.
This time around, Carsley is approaching the games like he’s doing a favor for a friend, which allows him to bounce back more readily from disappointing results. With just three days between matches, the next game against Finland is right around the corner.
The real test will be how Carsley approaches the No. 9 position now that Kane is fit. If he opts for Kane to lead the line, it could signal his serious intent to secure the managerial position. In any significant match, Kane would naturally be at the forefront.
Grealish’s return to full fitness adds another tempting option for Carsley, who previously deployed him successfully in a No. 10 role. Meanwhile, Saka’s injury pushes Carsley toward starting Cole Palmer, who finished the last game with a flair for cutting in from the right.
Arguably, the most critical role to nail down is Jude Bellingham’s. The young star has shown he can score crucial goals, but his overall influence from midfield is what England needs most. Carsley must find a way to position Bellingham effectively between Declan Rice and the No. 10, creating the balance that was sorely lacking in the last match.
While Carsley has not disclosed his plans for Bellingham’s positioning, he acknowledges the importance of nurturing the young talent. “We need to embrace the fact that Jude plays differently from anyone else,” he said. “It’s crucial to create an environment where he feels valued and can thrive, and I’m confident he will only get better with time.”
Before departing for Finland, Carsley appeared upbeat, emphasizing the importance of the team over personal ambitions. “What matters most is the team’s success,” he remarked, suggesting he’s more invested in player development than the pressure of securing a permanent managerial position. “I’ve tried to detach myself from the emotions of ‘it’s my job to lose,’ and instead focus on fulfilling the remit I was given.”
With the anticipation of the next match looming, here’s the predicted England XI against Finland in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Stones, Gomes; Rice, Bellingham; Gordon, Grealish, Palmer; Kane.
