As Lee Carsley prepares at hand over the reins of England to Thomas Tuchel, he’s passed on some final words of wisdom.
England’s Nations League clash against Ireland can be Carsley’s last as interim Three Lions boss before Tuchel takes over on January 1.
The soon-to-be six-game stint in charge has actually been an eye-opening experience for Carsley, who will return to the familiar surrounds of England Under-21 duties.
But within the time Carsley has been answerable for the senior national team, he’s learned first-hand just how invested people all across the country are within the team.
It’s why Carsley will tip Tuchel off about avoiding service stations if he doesn’t want his squad selections and tactics called into query.
“It makes me laugh that everybody’s got an opinion on the team,” Carsley said.
“I’m on the road so much, so service stations is where I appear to get essentially the most advice. A few of it is nice, a few of it isn’t so good.
“I appear to met numerous West Ham fans, very Jarrod [Bowen]-heavy.
“It’s mainly team selection… I used to be in a queue in a Starbucks and a fella was talking in regards to the false nine and the tactics, after the Greece game. I just wanted a soy latte.”
Nonetheless, Carsley is smart enough to recognise Tuchel’s managerial pedigree, so he won’t have to part with much advice anyway.
“He’s in a greater position than I’m by way of experience he has had and the staff he has,” Carsley said.
“It’ll probably be more in regards to the players, the personalities and the stuff you will not see on the TV.
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“I’m putting together numerous thoughts, as are the remainder of the staff.
“I fully expect to meet up with him after the camp, and hopefully we will hand the team over in a great position.”
Although Carsley’s interim tenure will only have lasted six games, he has played a key role in bringing through a few of England’s next generation.
Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Noni Madueke, Curtis Jones and Lewis Hall have all made their senior debuts under Carsley, with all six players aged 24 or under.
In accordance with the interim boss, it’s all about providing Tuchel with more options to select from when the March international window rolls around.
“What we’ve tried to do is increase the quantity of players available to Thomas,” Carsley said.
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“It looks like the fans are really connected with the team. They just like the incontrovertible fact that it looks younger, it looks energetic, it looks fresh.”
Carsley will look to guide England back to the highest division within the Nations League by beating Ireland at Wembley on Sunday.
