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By Karl Matchett
In truth, Nations League results perhaps won’t be the barometer by which the FA decide who their permanent successor to Gareth Southgate is, but certainly Carsley can’t be doing his chances any harm if he clocks up further wins and clean sheets.
A first squad which saw several surprise names called up has been replicated this time around, so chances for the likes of Rico Lewis, Angel Gomes and Noni Madueke could again be on the table after strong starts to their respective domestic campaigns. While another big talking point is the return of striker Dominic Solanke to the fold, seven years after his sole cap to-date, it will likely be the familiar faces who determine England’s fate against the Greeks – themselves top of Group B2 with six points as well, but a superior goal difference to the Three Lions.
Despite scoring one fewer, the numbers from fixtures against Ireland and Finland back England in this case: seven big chances, 4.3 xG across two games and 8.5 shots on target per game are top across the board in Nations League B groups…as might be expected, given they were relegated from the top tier in the previous edition.
The same questions remain for Carsley as would have been in place for anyone else after Euro 2024, with a couple of games never likely to yield the sole possible answers: where should Trent Alexander-Arnold play? What is the best midfield combination possible? And how many of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer should get in the starting lineup?
Quite aside from where they’ve performed this year, Carsley’s suggestion that at least two of that quartet can play from left-back is likely to be one experiment which is left aside, for now at least.
While there’s familiarity with some of the names in the Greek squad from playing in the Premier League, the truth is that there are too few elite-end performers in the Hellenic side to pose serious questions to England’s finest across 90 minutes. But in some respects, the best way to ensure focus and performance levels is to play those not assured of their place, thereby potentially levelling the quality level somewhat – and letting the Nations League remain a learning curve for squad and interim boss alike.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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