Lee Carsley names his England squad for Nations League & reacts to Thomas Tuchel's appointment

Summary

In this interview, England's interim head coach Lee Carley discusses his final squad selection ahead of his departure for Thomas Tuchel's incoming tenure. He highlights the inclusion of new players like Lewis Hall and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the challenges of squad selection, and his pride in seeing players transition from the under-21s to the senior team. Carley also reflects on his managerial experience, the importance of opportunity for English coaches, and the responsibility of leading the national team, while focusing on preparing for the crucial upcoming games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lee Carley announces his final squad as interim England head coach, including seven players from the Under-21 European Championship-winning team.
• 😀 Goalkeepers in the squad include Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, and Aaron Ramsdale, with Nick Pope dropping out.
• 😀 New additions to the squad are Lewis Hall, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and Curtis Jones, with Hall making his first senior call-up.
• 😀 Carley highlights the quality and potential of young players like Lewis Hall, noting that he could be a long-term option for left-back.
• 😀 Curtis Jones, despite not making his debut yet, is praised by Carley for his versatility and consistency at Liverpool.
• 😀 There has been no influence from new England manager Thomas Tuchel on the squad selection, with Carley managing the process independently.
• 😀 Carley expresses pride in the opportunity to manage England but stresses the importance of focusing on immediate games rather than long-term career goals.
• 😀 Carley is committed to continuing with the Under-21s after Tuchel's appointment as the senior team's manager, focusing on player development.
• 😀 Carley emphasizes the importance of giving more English coaches opportunities in the Premier League and Championship to develop.
• 😀 Carley reflects on the challenges of managing at this level, including the scrutiny and pressure, but also sees it as a valuable experience for future growth.
• 😀 The inclusion of new players in the senior squad is a proud moment for Carley, who feels a strong responsibility to help them succeed in the international arena.

Q & A

How did Lee Carley approach the selection of the final squad before handing over to Thomas Tuchel?

Lee Carley selected players based on their consistent performances in the Premier League, as well as their recent form. He included seven players from the under-21 European Championship-winning team and also gave call-ups to new faces like Lewis Hall and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who have shown promise this season.

Why was Lewis Hall called up to the senior England squad?

Lewis Hall was called up due to his impressive performances for Newcastle United this season. Carley highlighted his high-quality left-footed abilities and his potential to address the long-term left-back position for England, with competition at right-back being stronger.

What was Carley’s assessment of Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ development and why was he included in the squad?

Taylor Harwood-Bellis was praised for his leadership as captain of the under-21s and for consistently playing in the Premier League with Southampton. Carley emphasized that Harwood-Bellis had earned his spot through hard work and had demonstrated the qualities needed to be part of the senior squad.

Did Thomas Tuchel have any influence on the selection of this squad?

No, Thomas Tuchel did not have any influence on the squad selection. Lee Carley mentioned that although they have communicated via text, Tuchel respected the job Carley was doing and left the decision-making regarding squad selection entirely to him.

What are Carley’s thoughts on his future after managing the senior team for a short period?

Carley expressed that while he enjoyed the experience, his focus remained on doing the best job he could in the short term. He emphasized that his priority was getting two positive results before handing over to Tuchel, rather than thinking about his long-term future in management.

What role will Lee Carley return to after Thomas Tuchel takes over?

After Tuchel takes over, Lee Carley will return to managing the under-21s. He expressed his pride in the role and his continued commitment to developing young players who can transition into the senior team.

What was Carley’s approach to managing the balance between competition and player inclusion in the squad?

Carley noted the challenge of squad selection, with several players deserving a call-up but unable to be included due to the strong competition. He specifically mentioned Morgan Rogers, who had been performing well but was still behind other players in the pecking order.

How does Carley view the development of English coaches and their opportunities in top leagues?

Carley believes that for English coaches to reach the level of world-class managers like Thomas Tuchel, they need more opportunities in top leagues, particularly in the Premier League and Championship. He emphasized the importance of getting experience in high-level competitions like the Premier League and Champions League.

What did Carley learn from his experience as interim manager of the senior team?

Carley reflected on how the experience challenged him, especially in managing the team under pressure and dealing with the scrutiny that comes with being in charge of a national team. He also mentioned how the experience made him and the staff stronger, and how it had a lasting impact on his managerial development.

How does Carley feel about the transition of under-21 players to the senior team?

Carley expressed pride and responsibility in helping under-21 players make the leap to the senior team, recognizing the effort and journey each player has undergone. He also mentioned the challenge of staying in the senior squad and competing with world-class players on a daily basis.