Lee Carsley reveals that England could return to a less testing style of play when they play Finland on Sunday after their Nations League defeat to Greece.
Lee Carsley revealed that England Adapted to “more conventional” mode against Finland Sunday after their defeat Against Greece Last Thursday in the Nations League.
England failed in this Euro 2024 final The game ended against Spain in July Gareth SouthgateDuring his time in charge of the Three Lions, Carsley was appointed on an interim basis.
The manager started his tenure on a positive note, with the Republic of Ireland and Finland During the September international break, England boost their hopes of being promoted back to the Nations League A.
The interim boss made several changes against his XI Greeceincluding using Jude Bellingham A false nineBut those changes backfired as England deservedly lost 2-1 at Wembley.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Finland match, Carsley insisted he had no regrets about the decision to experiment against Greece, but suggested a more familiar-looking England side would take the field for Sunday's clash.
© Imago
What did Lee Carsley say ahead of the Finland match?
Asked about Greece's defeat, Carsley told reporters: “It's always difficult and we're on the lookout. I'm not used to being a professional footballer for so long.
“I think the reaction is justified. You should respect people's opinions. We didn't perform as well as we could have on the night and I expect a reaction tomorrow night. I think it's something I'll have to look back on. Maybe in two or three months and, you know, it'll be fine.
“I wanted to present this work in the best possible way to the three camps we spoke to. I don't want to regret it. Sometimes it's important to try something different, and I think I'll be a better coach. For that, but I think we'll be a little more regular tomorrow night.”
Carsley's decision to play with a false nine and recognized striker was influenced by the captain's absence Harry KaneBut the Bayern Munich man is ready for the match against Finland after winning his 100th cap. Scored both goals When the two sides met at Wembley last month.
“We practiced yesterday too, so Harry and Jack [Grealish] Both passed the session,” Carsley added.
“We are in a good position. I think it's important to freshen up the team a little bit, but, yeah, we believe we're in a good place.”
© Imago
Greece disaster
Carsley chose to field a front six Bugayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon, Phil Foote And Jude Bellingham against Greece, Rice was the only defensive presence in midfield.
Given the amount of attacking talent England possess, the manager's desire to add as many forwards as possible is understandable, but Greece's Three Lions are too easy to play with.
Jordan Pickford He conceded five times on the night, but his teammates escaped further embarrassment thanks to VAR's intervention on three separate occasions.
Carsley could have started Curtis Jones, Angel Gomez Or Conor GallagherThey are all natural midfielders, experienced in deeper positions and may have helped Rice feel less isolated against Greece.
The decision to use Bellingham as a false nine has also been questioned, as Harry Kane may need to be rested, Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins Was on the bench and could have provided the team with a real focal point up front.
© Imago
Changes for the Finland game
Unfortunately the England boss has Jones Left the team For personal reasons, but he still has Gomez and Gallagher to choose from.
Bellingham can be positioned deep alongside Carsley Rice as the Real Madrid midfielder excels in the final third, where his immense physicality can be useful to stop counter attacks.
On the attack, there was Sakha Forced with injury And left the team, so Palmer could start on the right of attack, with Anthony Gordon or Phil Foden operating on the left.
Kane will be seen as a front-runner if he is fit enough, and despite some criticism of the captain's performances this season for Bayern Munich, he is still an outstanding player who has put in some impressive displays.
Carsley will need to find ways to balance the XI against Finland, especially as defeat would give first-placed Greece the chance to move six points clear of England and further cement their grip on the group's only automatic promotion spot.
No data analysis information
