Bellingham and Grealish praise Carsley for his work on the bench in the Nations League

After the divorce with Gareth Southgate, the England national team was left without a head and since the agreement with Thomas Tuchel was slow to come (he will take over from 2025), it fell to Lee Carsley the lot to offer his services throughout the Nations League in the role of official.

Succeeding an admittedly successful manager and having the responsibility of coaching the team through a six-match series over two months (September-November 2024), his task was by definition difficult, but the finale saw him vindicated.

Yes, the English national team was defeated 2-1 at “Wembley” by the national team (the first victory in the history of the blue-and-white team against this opponent) and was temporarily second in the group, but it celebrated victories in the other five matches of the 2nd group of League B and led the “three lions” to League A of the competition.

However, apart from the five wins in the six matches he was on the bench, the biggest accolade for the 50-year-old technician was the post made by Jude Bellingham after the 5-0 home win over Ireland (MVP of the match with three assists), with the Real superstar to emphasize that the coach helped him to enjoy football again.

“Massive thanks to Lee and his staff for their work in our last gatherings. Got my smile back in the England shirt, very grateful”Bellingham pointed out, with words of praise for Carsley’s work also coming from Jack Grealish’s mouth.

“What a guy and coach! An absolute legend and thank you for bringing the enjoyment back to England matches”was his characteristic comment.