As Lee Carsley prepares to take charge of England for one last time, the interim manager is set to make several changes to the starting XI for the Three Lions’ final Nations League clash against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.
Carsley, who stepped in after Gareth Southgate’s resignation following England’s Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, has overseen a successful spell with four wins from five matches, with the only defeat coming in a surprising 2-1 loss to Greece last month.
However, after righting the ship with a dominant 3-0 win over Greece in Athens, Carsley has put England in the driving seat in their Nations League group. The Three Lions have leapfrogged Greece to top the table, and victory over Ireland will secure them first place and promotion back to the top tier of League A. Additionally, a win will provide England with a crucial edge in their World Cup qualifying campaign. With this match marking Carsley’s final game before handing the reins over to new head coach Thomas Tuchel in January, all eyes will be on how the manager approaches his lineup for the game.
Defensive Adjustments as Carsley Shuffles Backline
One of the biggest changes Carsley faces heading into the Ireland game is the absence of Ezri Konsa. The Aston Villa defender limped off during the win over Greece, and with him likely to miss the Ireland clash, Carsley is expected to make alterations to his defensive setup. One option could be to move Kyle Walker from his usual right-back position into the heart of the defense, partnering Marc Guehi in the centre. This would free up space for young Rico Lewis, who impressed at right-back in Athens, to take up a starting role in his natural position.
On the left side of the defense, Carsley could turn to 19-year-old Lewis Hall, who made his England debut in midweek and looks set to start here in place of the injured players. This shift would see Carsley adopt a more fluid defensive structure, with experienced players like Walker offering leadership in the centre while giving younger stars like Hall and Lewis valuable game time. These changes would also allow England to maintain their high pressing game, keeping the pressure on Ireland from the first whistle.
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Midfield Stability Despite Injury Absences
In midfield, Carsley will be pleased with how his side has operated despite some notable absences. The loss of regular midfield options has forced the manager to rely on the emerging talents of players like Curtis Jones and Noni Madueke, both of whom played key roles in the Greece win. Jones grabbed England’s third goal in Athens, while Madueke provided a well-timed assist. Expect Carsley to stick with the same trio that has performed so well, with Conor Gallagher and Jones sitting deeper in the midfield behind Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon, who will continue to be key creative threats.
The midfield pairing of Gallagher and Jones has provided a solid base in recent matches, allowing Bellingham to push forward and influence the game in advanced positions. Meanwhile, Gordon has offered pace and directness on the left wing, complementing Bellingham’s more technical style. Carsley will look for a similar level of performance in this final match before Tuchel takes over, as a solid midfield display is crucial to England’s hopes of securing a top-place finish in the Nations League.
Kane’s Return to the Starting XI?
One of the most debated decisions of the previous match was Carsley’s choice to leave Harry Kane out of the starting XI against Greece, opting for Ollie Watkins to lead the line instead. Despite the initial surprise, the decision proved effective, with Watkins opening the scoring and Kane coming on in the second half to add fresh energy. However, with this being Carsley’s last game in charge, it’s likely that the interim manager will bring Kane back into the starting XI from the outset, having given him a brief period of rest in the previous match.
Kane’s return would provide a focal point in attack for England, with the Bayern Munich striker offering experience and leadership up front. The decision to play Kane would also help balance the team, allowing younger attackers like Watkins, Dominic Solanke, Morgan Rogers, and Jarrod Bowen to come on as impact players later in the game. Carsley will look to harness Kane’s goalscoring prowess while maintaining the high-energy attacking style that worked well against Greece.
The Importance of Victory
A win against Ireland will be crucial for England’s standing in the Nations League, securing them promotion to the top-tier League A. It will also act as a confidence booster as they prepare for the next phase of their World Cup qualifying journey, with the added importance of playing under Tuchel’s leadership starting in January. Tuchel’s appointment brings fresh expectations, and his focus will be firmly on preparing England to win their first World Cup since 1966. This match offers Carsley a final chance to leave his mark on the team and ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities to the German manager.
Predicted England Starting XI
Given the changes and considerations for the Ireland match, Carsley’s predicted lineup could look something like this:
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Rico Lewis (RB), Kyle Walker (CB), Marc Guehi (CB), Lewis Hall (LB)
- Midfielders: Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones, Jude Bellingham
- Forwards: Noni Madueke (RW), Anthony Gordon (LW), Harry Kane (CF)
This formation sets up England in a traditional 4-2-3-1 shape, with a solid backline and an exciting, dynamic midfield capable of dictating play. The attacking trio behind Kane will offer pace and creativity, while the midfield duo of Gallagher and Jones will provide balance and defensive support.
Conclusion: Carsley’s Legacy and Tuchel’s Task Ahead
Lee Carsley has overseen a period of transition for the England national team, stepping in after Southgate’s departure and guiding the team with a mix of youth and experience. His last game in charge against Ireland will be crucial not only for the outcome of England’s Nations League group but also for ensuring a smooth transition to Thomas Tuchel’s reign. With Carsley likely to make several tactical changes and experiment with new faces in his final lineup, England fans can expect a competitive, high-energy performance that could see the Three Lions clinch the top spot in their group.
This match represents more than just a final outing for Carsley; it’s an opportunity to show the progress made under his leadership and to lay the groundwork for Tuchel’s ambitious World Cup plans. For England, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the pressure is on to finish this chapter on a high.
Up Next:
After the Ireland match, the focus will shift to Thomas Tuchel’s official appointment as England’s new head coach in January. The new manager will be tasked with preparing the squad for the World Cup qualifiers and ensuring that England remains a top contender on the global stage.
Predicted England XI:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Starting XI: Pickford; Lewis, Walker, Guehi, Hall; Gallagher, Jones; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
