LEE CARSLEY is getting used to the buck stopping with him for England — thanks to fans advising him in the queue for coffee.
The 50-year-old takes charge of his first home game as interim boss against Finland tonight.
GettyLee Carsley admits fans are now stopping him at coffee shops[/caption]
And the scrutiny is a step up from his role as England Under-21s chief.
But the Brummie insists not much has changed — barring supporters giving him their two pennies’ worth at service stations.
Carsley said: “I’ve had a bit more attention from random people who shout, ‘Make sure you pick so-and-so’ when I get to Starbucks at a services. But very respectful and things are pretty normal still.”
The interim boss reckons it is easy to stay grounded as his life experience is similar to that of many everyday people.
Referencing the care he and wife Louisa provide to son Conor, who has Down’s Syndrome, the ex-Everton midfielder added: “I definitely live in the real world.
“My house is very grounded. We have the same struggles and challenges that everyone does.
“Living with a child with special needs, I’m definitely well involved with the reality of fundraising and statements, and education, and making sure that he’s getting equal opportunities.”
Carsley promises “two or three changes” but not wholesale ones tonight.
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One man hoping for his first start is Angel Gomes, who made his debut in the 2-0 win over Republic of Ireland.
The 5ft 6in midfielder, 24, has been in France at Lille for the last four years.
Carsley said: “We must get our eyes used to having this sort of player.
“He’s not box-to-box, he’s not massively physical, but technically he can control a game from the middle of the pitch with his positioning and his technique.
“If we’re going to win a major tournament, we need variety.”
Carsley plans to speak to predecessor Gareth Southgate and his old No 2, Steve Holland, after the game to ask their opinion on his first camp.
England Player Ratings vs Ireland
DECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.
Lee Carsley‘s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.
Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England‘s second goal.
Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.
Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.
SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…
JORDAN PICKFORD – 6
Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.
After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this.
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7
Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.
Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back.
MARC GUEHI – 7
Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.
Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender.
HARRY MAGUIRE – 7
Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.
When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7
LEVI COLWILL – 7
Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.
Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7
DECLAN RICE – 9
Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.
Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.
He then set up the second for Grealish.
KOBBIE MAINOO – 7
Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal.
BUKAYO SAKA – 7
Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.
Was involved in the second goal.
JACK GREALISH – 8
Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.
A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.
ANTHONY GORDON – 6
Looked really lively early on but faded.
He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6
HARRY KANE – 6
Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession.
Subs
Gibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.
Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke.