The identity of the next full-time England manager is still unclear; however, Lee Carsley, the current (temporary) manager, concluded a mixed October international break with a 3-1 away victory against Finland in the Nations League.
After opting for a lineup full of attacking talent but lacking organization in a 2-1 home loss to Greece on Thursday, Carsley reinstated the fit-again Harry Kane as the striker in Helsinki, making several adjustments from the previous match at Wembley. Angel Gomes showcased his midfield skills and played a vital part in Jack Grealish’s opening goal, while Trent Alexander-Arnold was experimented with at left-back, capping off his performance with a stunning free kick late in the game.
Phil Foden’s absence was significant. What implications might this have for his future role in the squad? Additionally, what about the roles of Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, and Grealish, all of whom started in this match?
Jack Pitt-Brooke and Tim Spiers analyze the meaning behind this result and performance.
How crucial has Gomes been two games in?
It is hard to believe that this was only Gomes’ second appearance as a starter for the senior England team, as he has quickly become central to Carsley’s vision for the squad during the interim manager’s brief tenure.
Against Greece, his absence was sorely felt; there was no one to support Declan Rice defensively or to maintain possession of the ball. Carsley had acknowledged prior to this match that England needed to improve in retaining possession higher up the pitch, and Gomes proved to be the ideal candidate to facilitate that.
Every aspect of England’s play in this match flowed through the Manchester United academy graduate, now at Lille in France’s Ligue 1. He was always available for the ball, receiving it on the half-turn and delivering intelligent passes to his teammates.
Gomes highlighted his influence by assisting Grealish’s opening goal, executing his finest moment of the match (see below).
He received a pass from Alexander-Arnold, turned, and then delivered a perfectly weighted ball to the Manchester City player, allowing him to score.
Most importantly, Gomes successfully implemented the entire concept.
To execute structured, possession-based football, it is essential to have a player who can retain the ball, not only to assist teammates in getting into position but also to provide the necessary organization for both ball possession and defensive setups. Gomes excels in this role, better than anyone else.
Jack Pitt-Brooke
What does Grealish’s selection mean for Foden?
Following Carsley’s video game-like strategy in Thursday’s match — where he deployed all his top attackers and left success to chance — this approach was considerably more traditional.
Foden was omitted/rested — a decision that is difficult to contest, especially when considering whether he should be favored over Palmer, currently the top player in English football on the right, or Bellingham operating alongside Kane in the center, or even anyone on the left wing given Foden’s lackluster performances during the European Championship this past summer.
Grealish took on that role and made the most of it by moving inside to net the opening goal of the night (see above).
Grealish delivered a distinctly City-esque performance, finishing the first half with 29 passes completed without a single cross or dribble attempt. Pep Guardiola’s impact on this England side is profound — the Football Association might as well hand him the managerial position.
Regarding Foden, who has yet to establish himself as essential for England, it remains challenging to identify his place in the starting lineup, especially with England boasting a wealth of right-forward talent, even though Palmer had a subdued outing this time.
Tim Spiers
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Where best to play Alexander-Arnold?
Alexander-Arnold’s performance showcased the strengths and weaknesses of the England team during this match.
Last year, in a game against weaker competition, former head coach Gareth Southgate first tried Alexander-Arnold in central midfield. While this strategy proved successful against Malta and North Macedonia—expectedly so, given his technical skills—it did not yield the same results in the Euros.
In this match, the Liverpool player was deployed as an inverted left-back for the first time in his senior career (per positional data on Transfermarkt). How did he perform? Essentially, just as anticipated; he was effective in attacking scenarios, linked up well with his close friend Bellingham, played a crucial role in initiating the opening goal with his positive movement and a pass to Gomes, and scored a stunning free kick in the second half to extend the lead (see below).
Yet defensively, as expected for Alexander-Arnold—especially in a role where he was less comfortable—he struggled. He misplaced passes, was pressured while clearing the ball in his own penalty area, and was often outmaneuvered by diagonal balls played over him. Finland capitalized on this, creating several significant scoring opportunities.
England’s defense showed improvement compared to their performance against Greece; however, they continued to concede too many chances to subpar opponents, a trend seen in the early post-Southgate period. Although Carsley exhibits a more offensively-minded approach than his predecessor, the issues appear to stem largely from individual mistakes rather than an overly aggressive style.
Trent securing the bag :moneybag::joy:#FINENG pic.twitter.com/FCdWB4pS4U
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) October 13, 2024
Regarding Alexander-Arnold playing as a left-back, it is not a sustainable long-term solution; either he or Kyle Walker should occupy the right side.
This experiment further underscored England’s concerning lack of left-back alternatives, particularly with Luke Shaw sidelined, Ben Chilwell without playing time at Chelsea, Levi Colwill performing better as a centre-back, and Rico Lewis being a promising yet inexperienced choice.
Could Tyrick Mitchell or Rico Henry step up? England’s left-back options need to make themselves known.
Tim Spiers
Lack of Saka, lack of pace
Although this lineup appeared to be more balanced than the one that faced Greece, it still felt incomplete. There was an increase in control but a noticeable decrease in pace.
Bukayo S
With the withdrawal of aka and Anthony Gordon, England found themselves deploying three No 10s playing behind Kane. Although they maintained excellent possession in Finland’s half, advancing the ball rapidly proved to be a challenge.
The introduction of Ollie Watkins and Noni Madueke midway through the second half injected much-needed dynamism into England’s attack. From that moment forward, their performance improved: Madueke could have scored twice, while Watkins set up England’s third goal for Rice after sprinting down the left flank. Yet, it left one pondering whether the team’s balance was still lacking.
Should Saka be fit, he is expected to return for the match against Greece next month. However, Carsley may contemplate whether additional pace is required to prevent his team from getting bogged down in the midfield.
Jack Pitt-Brooke
What did Carsley say?
Amid ongoing speculation regarding the next permanent England manager, Carsley shared his thoughts about the role following the match.
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The interim manager commented to ITV Sport: “Do I envision holding the position beyond November? I haven’t given it much thought — my task was to oversee six games, and I feel privileged to be in this role. The last few days have been quite challenging for me, as I’m not one to take losses lightly. People will inevitably take sides, but my superiors have made it clear what they expect from me. This position deserves a world-class coach who has earned trophies and experience.”
When pressed about these statements during his post-match press conference, he elaborated: “The point I wanted to emphasize — perhaps it’s more of a ‘hopefully’ remark — is that this is a world-class position. It ranks among the top jobs in football. The individual who ultimately gets the role will be of a high caliber. Once again, it’s a privilege to assume this responsibility. I feel well-trusted, which is why it was so hard to lose that game the other night; the defeat weighed heavily on me. Just as we discussed earlier, the team’s response has been positive.”
When asked about his hesitance to definitively say ‘yes or no’ regarding taking the permanent position, Carsley replied: “I am certainly hesitant because, in previous caretaker/interim roles, I have found myself so firmly on the side of ‘I don’t want the job’ that I ended up not actually fulfilling my duties. This was one of the aspects I considered when I was asked to temporarily take charge — it’s crucial to maintain an open mind. That way, I avoid making rash decisions.”
Regarding Alexander-Arnold and Grealish, he told ITV Sport: “Trent’s talent is undeniable. We often get caught up debating his position, but he is invaluable to us. It’s essential that we have players of his caliber and that we leverage their strengths. It’s unfortunate Jack Grealish wasn’t available for the first match against Greece; we missed him — he’s exceptional and brings great energy. I wish we could replay the Greece match. It’s a pity we couldn’t maintain the clean sheet; we mishandled our responsibilities during set plays.”
What next for England?
Thursday, November 14: Greece (A), Nations League, 7.45pm GMT, 2.45pm ET
Recommended reading
(Top photo: Eddie Keogh
– The FA/The FA via Getty Images
England’s Mixed October: Analyzing Lee Carsley’s Interim Management and Key Performances Against Finland
Introduction to Lee Carsley’s Interim Management
Lee Carsley stepped into the interim management role for the England national football team during a pivotal October period. His leadership became crucial as England faced Finland in a friendly match, and both fans and analysts were keen to see how he would navigate the challenges of managing a team filled with talent but seeking cohesion.
Key Objectives for the October Fixtures
England’s objectives during this period were clear:
– **Build Team Chemistry:** With a mix of young and experienced players, establishing a coherent strategy was essential.
- **Evaluate Player Form:** The match against Finland provided a platform to assess players’ fitness and form ahead of crucial fixtures.
– **Instill Tactical Flexibility:** Carsley aimed to implement strategies that could adapt to different opponents while maximizing England’s strengths.
Performance Overview: England vs. Finland
The match against Finland showcased both the potential and areas for improvement in England’s squad. Below, we break down the key performances during the game.
| Player | Position | Performance Rating | Key Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Pickford | Goalkeeper | 8/10 | 3 key saves; solid distribution |
| Luke Shaw | Defender | 7/10 | Assisted the first goal; strong defensive work |
| Phil Foden | Midfielder | 9/10 | 2 goals; excellent creativity |
| Harry Kane | Forward | 7/10 | 1 goal; leadership on the pitch |
Match Summary
In a tightly contested match, England secured a 3-1 victory over Finland. This result served as a testament to Carsley’s ability to galvanize the team quickly. Key moments included:
– **First Half Dominance:** England started strong, with Phil Foden scoring twice within the first 30 minutes.
- **Defensive Resilience:** Despite a second-half resurgence from Finland, England’s defense, led by Luke Shaw, held firm.
– **Harry Kane’s Leadership:** Kane’s goal highlighted his importance not just as a striker but as a leader, showing the team’s resolve.
Tactical Analysis of Carsley’s Approach
Lee Carsley’s tactical framework during the match was characterized by several key elements:
– **Formation Flexibility:** Carsley utilized a 4-3-3 formation, allowing for both defensive solidity and attacking fluidity.
– **High Pressing Game:** The team adopted a high pressing style, which helped to regain possession quickly and apply pressure on Finland’s defensive line.
– **Dynamic Wing Play:** Utilizing the pace and skill of wingers, Carsley’s strategy focused on stretching Finland’s defense, creating space for central players.
Strengths of Carsley’s Management Style
– **Player Empowerment:** Carsley encouraged players to take initiative on the pitch, leading to creative plays and dynamic scoring opportunities.
– **Adaptability:** His willingness to adjust tactics mid-game reflects a deep understanding of the game and the players’ capabilities.
– **Focus on Youth Development:** By integrating younger players into the squad, Carsley has not only built for the future but also enhanced competition for starting positions.
Key Takeaways from the Match
1. **Phil Foden’s Emergence:** Foden’s standout performance underlines his potential to become a cornerstone of the national team.
2. **Pickford’s Goalkeeping Prowess:** With crucial saves, Pickford reaffirmed his status as England’s number one, providing assurance at the back.
3. **Tactical Fluidity:** Carsley’s tactical decisions and adaptability during the match demonstrated a progressive approach that could benefit England in future matches.
Challenges Ahead for Lee Carsley
While the victory against Finland was a positive outcome, there are several challenges that Carsley must address moving forward:
– **Defensive Cohesion:** Despite solid performances, lapses in concentration must be reduced to prevent conceding unnecessary goals.
– **Midfield Dynamics:** Ensuring midfielders effectively link defense and attack will be crucial for a more balanced team performance.
– **Maintaining Momentum:** Building on this victory will require consistent performances and a clear vision for the upcoming fixtures.
Practical Tips for Fans and Analysts
For fans keen on understanding the nuances of England’s upcoming fixtures and Carsley’s management strategy, here are some practical tips:
– **Follow Player Development:** Keep an eye on key players like Foden and Kane for their performances in club football, which can impact their national team form.
– **Analyze Tactical Changes:** Watch for tactical adjustments in upcoming matches, noting how Carsley responds to different opponents.
– **Engage with Fan Communities:** Join discussions on social media platforms and forums to gain insights from fellow fans and analysts.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead
Lee Carsley’s interim management has set a promising tone for England as they head deeper into the international schedule. The key performances against Finland, particularly from players like Phil Foden and Jordan Pickford, highlight both the potential and the challenges facing the team. With a focus on tactical improvements and player development, there is much to look forward to as England seeks to build on this mixed October.
