Lee Carsley’s First England Squad: Key Changes and Upcoming Matches

After their second consecutive European Final defeat, Gareth Southgate announced his departure and stepped down from his role as England head coach. After what had been a whirlwind 10 years in charge, Southgate’s time at the helm was one that gave England fans their first hopes of success in years, with many dreaming that it could finally be ‘England’s Year’.

After coming mightily close, silverware wasn’t to be in the end for Southgate who was credited for bringing the country together by the hope and positivity he had created around the England camp. Southgate’s departure brought with it much speculation on a replacement. Graham Potter and Eddie Howe were both mentioned as potential candidates, however, it was England Under 21s manager, Lee Carsley who stepped up to the plate and took charge.

Here at Engage, we take a look ahead to Carsley’s first Nations League game in charge as England boss, and what we might expect from him in the games to come after his first team selection.

Carsley’s First England Team Selection

The first UEFA Nations League fixtures of the new football season mark the start of Lee Carsley’s tenure in charge as England head coach. The fixtures have also allowed Carsley to pick his first England team to face Ireland and Finland on the 7th and 10th September.

After much criticism surrounding Southgate’s team selections, with many accusing him of not picking players based on form, the pressure was on for Carsley immediately. However, the reaction to the team was positive with some outlets describing it as ‘brave’ and ‘exciting’ with the addition of young talent.

It appears Carsley has gone with the aim of selecting players the Irishman has previously worked with. Angel Gomes, Tino Livramento, Noni Madueke and Morgan Gibbs-White have all received their first senior international call-up having all played for England at youth level.

Nick Pope has also been reintroduced to the squad replacing Aaron Ramsdale. Meanwhile, Kyle Walker’s lack of playing time for Manchester City this season sees him dropped from the squad. Walker’s exclusion may come as a shock to many, having been named in the Euro 2024 Team of the Tournament.

Levi Colwill, Harry Maguire and Walker’s Manchester City teammates, Jack Grealish and Rico Lewis also all return to the England squad.

So with what seems like a promising squad of young talent, what can we expect in Carsley’s first games?

Upcoming Fixtures

After being employed as interim head coach by the FA, Carsley has said he hasn’t been considering taking the role up permanently or thinking about whether he will be offered it, however, there is no doubt he will be keen to impress with his first games in charge. Especially considering the negativity surrounding England teams in the past, Carsley will be cautious about making sure his squad performs to the best of their abilities.

The first task Carsley will be dealt involves the nation he played for himself. On the 7th September, England will travel to Dublin to begin their UEFA Nations League campaign away at Ireland. The last time the sides met was in 2020 as England came out as 3-0 winners courtesy of goals from Harry Maguire, Jadon Sancho and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

In what should be another comfortable victory for England, Carsley will be keen to show intent and ruthlessness in the hope he can prove that he is the man for the job.

England will then be in action only 3 days later as they host Finland in the second game of the Nations League at Wembley. England haven’t faced the Scandinavian side since 2001 as part of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. The Three Lions triumphed 2-1 that day maintaining their unbeaten record against Finland. Having faced Finland 11 times in their history, England are unbeaten and have won 9 of those encounters. Carsley will be doing the utmost to make sure that impressive record continues.

With Greece, being the third side in England’s group, Carsley will have to wait until October before he can prepare to face the Euro 2004 winners. Greece are another side that England are unbeaten against, winning seven of their nine meetings.

In what is a fairly comfortable Nations League group, England should be able to get over the line with little hassle considering the strength of their squad. However, Carsley will be wary of any possible complacency and he will be eager to take none of these three sides lightly.

Do you think Lee Carsley is the man for the England job? He certainly joins a list of great former England managers, including Alf Ramsey, Bobby Robson and Sven-Goran Eriksson. The pressure is on for the former Irish international, but will he be able to deliver? With a strong team of talented individuals consisting of experience and youth, there is no reason why not. Find out with Engage how he will get on with hospitality for all three of England’s UEFA Nations League home fixtures!

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