Lee Carsley says England must 'play to players' strengths' ahead of ...

Lee Carsley said England have tried to implement "three or four different ways of playing" in a bid to "play to players' strengths", as the interim boss looks to impress in the dugout in his managerial debut for the senior side against Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

Carsley, who has achieved great success with England's U21 side, including winning the European U21 Championship title last year, assumed the role on an interim basis following the resignation of Gareth Southgate following Euro 2024, in which England finished runners-up.

"We've tried to get three or four different ways of playing," Carsley told reporters on Friday. "We have to play to players' strengths. It's not about my style or way of playing.

"Coaching is about utilising players' ability. Hopefully we see that tomorrow."

Carsley has been given the opportunity to impress following two near misses at international glory under the stewardship of Southgate, with England reaching the finals of consecutive Euro campaigns before falling at the last hurdle.

Carsley believes he is taking over the squad at an exciting time, with a better calibre of players and a stronger mentality than when Southgate was appointed as manager in 2016.

"I definitely don't see this as a new start," Carsley said. "I've talked about taking over a team as a caretaker manager low on confidence, low down the league, struggling. This is the opposite.

"This is a team coming on the back of a tournament. Qualifying is an achievement and to get so close, I don't see this as a fresh start, It's a chance to build on what they've done in the past.

"I believe we're in a strong position. They were in a low position when Gareth Southgate took over. It's totally different now. They're used to competing. Standards are so high. Hopefully they can go that one step further. That last push is the hardest thing."

Carsley's debut in the England senior team's hotseat comes against Ireland, the nation he represented during his playing career.

The interim boss insisted he has put aside the emotional element of his return to Dublin, and is fully focused on the Nations League match - one which could contribute to a decision made over his future in the role.

"It's not something I've thought much about until recently," Carsley said. "When I saw the draw I was fully focused on the U21s. I didn't realise I was going to be here. I'm excited by it. I've got a lot of confidence in the players. They'll enjoy the atmosphere. It's a good game to come to after the disappointment.

"I try not to get too emotional in games. I've always been the same. It's just the way I am. I'm respectful with my history."

The dugout at the Aviva Stadium will see another managerial debut as Heimir Hallgrimsson takes charge of Ireland for the first time. Hallgrimsson co-managed Iceland to their historic 2-1 victory over England in the round-of-16 at Euro 2016.

‘Dream come true’ – Gomes and Gibbs-White ‘buzzing’ after earning England call-ups

England captain Harry Kane has said interim boss Carsley has implemented "new" and "fresh" ideas, which have included an influx of young players earning their first senior call-ups.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Noni Madueke and Tino Livramento have been called up to the squad and could make their England debuts, and Kane described the approach as an "exciting chapter".

"It was strange when first in camp, but the new boss has his ideas and identity," the England captain said. "We did a lot of good things with Gareth but a new coach has new ideas and fresh ideas. It has been good.

"A lot of new faces, young players, excited to be here. Another exciting chapter in my England career."

The Bayern Munich striker spoke about the positives and negatives of England's second-placed finish at Euro 2024, but conceded that the team never "reached the levels we know we can".

"We did extremely well to get to the final," he said. "I don't think we reached the levels we know we can.

"Whenever it ends in defeat, you are back into your own life and back for the new season. As a team a lot of positives from the summer but it is about improving and a lot of areas we can improve.

"Our task is to get better. When you get so close to reaching pinnacle of [your] career, it is really difficult. It just makes me more motivated and puts the fire in the belly to get there again and have a different outcome.

"Gareth was a big part of my career and all we can say is thank you and we look forward to another chapter.

"I have been playing nine years for England and I still remember my first camp. It is great to see the youngsters train with that freedom. You want to see players pushing you like that."

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