England's interim manager Lee Carsley has emphasized his intent to maintain an attacking approach ahead of their UEFA Nations League match against Finland on Tuesday. Carsley’s debut as England boss saw the team secure a 2-0 victory over Ireland in Dublin, thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish.
Promoted from his role as Under-21 coach, Carsley is temporarily managing the senior team following Gareth Southgate’s resignation after England’s defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final. Tuesday’s match will be Carsley’s first in charge at Wembley, and he reiterated his desire to see England continue with a proactive style of play.
"I still want to see us playing with that control. I think it's important that we're exciting to watch," Carsley told reporters. "I think when fans come to watch England play at home, they expect attacking football, they expect chances to be created and to play with a tempo and us to be on the ball."
England’s tactics under Carsley are a noticeable shift from Southgate’s more conservative style, which had guided the team to the Euro 2024 final. The interim coach has made headlines not only for his team’s performance but also for his decision not to sing "God Save the King" in Dublin, a move that sparked some controversy among England supporters.
Despite the controversy, Carsley remains focused on building momentum. "It was a really proud moment the other day to be on the sideline, and another great night hopefully for the players on Tuesday night," he said.
Carsley also confirmed that he plans to make some adjustments to the lineup, stating, "We’ll make two or three changes, freshen the team up a little bit." Players like Angel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White, who came on as substitutes against Ireland, are pushing for starting positions, while uncapped players Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento could make their debuts.
"I think that they've all got a chance of playing," Carsley added. "The level that the players have trained at puts everyone in with the chance of getting minutes or starting the game."
Although Carsley acknowledged the loss of Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden to injury, he confirmed that the rest of the squad is fit and ready for the upcoming fixture at Wembley.
England’s match against Finland will be crucial as they look to build on their positive start in Group B2 of the Nations League.
