Lee Carsley: Mission accomplished as England foundations laid for Thomas Tuchel
The game was changed in the 53rd minute by a flash of genius from Harry Kane, back after being left out in favour of Ollie Watkins for the 3-0 win in Athens and facing some potentially unflattering reviews after another sluggish first-half performance.
England’s 31-year-old captain looked heavy-legged and off the pace in a dreadful first half from both sides, but showed the enduring quality that makes him invaluable when he showed stunning vision and range of passing from the left-hand touchline to pick out Jude Bellingham in the area with a perfect right-foot delivery.
Bellingham was floored by Ireland defender Liam Scales, who received a second yellow card. Kane scored his 69th goal for his country from the spot and it was game over.
Kane has been a central figure to Carsley’s reign in charge, not least with his public and uncharacteristically outspoken slap-down of those England players who withdrew from the squad for these two internationals.
He then doubled down on his message as he insisted it endangered the culture former manager Gareth Southgate had built up during his eights years in charge, when it became a pleasure to play for the country again.
Kane was speaking as England’s skipper, senior figure and statesman, but it did not stop Carsley showing his own decision-making strength, choosing Watkins ahead of the country’s record goalscorer in Athens.
It was a pick well rewarded with an early goal from Aston Villa’s striker that turned a potentially hazardous task into an easy one.
Kane is still England’s first choice, but Carsley’s willingness to use Watkins, and the success of the move, proved he does not have to be the only choice.
Tuchel will feel the benefit of Carsley’s temporary spell because of his determination to introduce youth, further opening the pathway from under-21s to senior level, and all helped by his insider knowledge of the talent coming through the England system.
Carsley used 32 players overall, giving a debut to eight – Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Lewis Hall, Harwood-Bellis, Curtis Jones, Tino Livramento, Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers.
They can all reflect on their contributions with satisfaction, especially Liverpool midfielder Jones, who has looked a class act in his two starts, while Chelsea forward Madueke has looked a constant threat.
Gomes made an impression as a midfield option, Gibbs-White showed he can be a creator while there is a big opportunity for Newcastle’s Hall at left-back, where Tuchel’s options look short.
The 19-year-old pair Rico Lewis and Kobbie Mainoo, from Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, also added to their England experiences, which will be in the positive ledge of Carsley’s handover.
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