New England for the journey to New England.
New England for the journey to New England.
Build for the World Cup...
England’s interim head coach, Lee Carsley, announces his squad at 2pm UK today to play the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the Nations League. 10 things…
1.Walking with Giants. The road to MetLife Stadium, July 19, 2026, starts today. Build for the 2026 World Cup. The Nations League is not up for grabs, only promotion out of Group B which England should achieve, against Ireland (Fifa ranking 58), Finland (56) and Greece (54). England are fourth in the rankings. England then have to qualify for World Cup, straightforward now it’s such a bloated competition – 48 teams. 32 qualify from group stage to knockouts. So Carsley, assuming he gets the job permanently, will not be properly judged until June 28, 2026, and the round of 32 at the World Cup. He has 22 months to shape a new England for New England.
2.Don’t take injured players to tournaments. The Luke Shaw (hamstring) gamble at the Euros was hugely contentious. Shaw started the final but Spain still did well down England’s left. James Maddison (knee) went to the 2022 World Cup, managed some light training, but didn’t play. England always do it, and it rarely pays off. Resist the temptation.
3.Be bold. Carsley has the time. And the fans want more adventurous football. If he truly wants the job permanently, as he undoubtedly does, then he needs just be himself, play his usual attacking way. “Carsball” was easier with the Under-21s, less pressure, but he will not be criticised for more risk-taking. As much as the scrutiny on any new names today, and old favourites ushered out, what England also need is a new approach, playing with more freedom, and more decisiveness from the bench. Gareth Southgate did so much right in changing the culture and mood around England but the football was largely poor at the Euros, a contrast to more front-foot, fearless Spanish. The safety net is there, qualification is not taken for granted but it’s hardly difficult to reach the US/Mexico and Canada. So have a look at Adam Wharton in the centre and Anthony Gordon out wide. Give Cole Palmer a chance at No 10. Jude Bellingham is injured, everyone knows Phil Foden can play there, and Bukayo Saka rightly starts ahead of Palmer on the right.