Lee Carsley has expressed optimism about England's new generation of players as he hands over the reins to Thomas Tuchel. Following a commanding 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League, Carsley reflected on the increased competition for places in the national squad, predicting that Tuchel's first selection will be more competitive than ever. Carsley, who has successfully guided the team back to the top tier of UEFA competition, can take pride in his achievements during his interim tenure. He utilized the Nations League campaign to introduce a number of young talents, showcasing the depth of England's talent pool. The team's impressive performance against a 10-man Ireland side secured them the top position in Group B2, setting a positive tone as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign starting in March.

Jack Grealish has expressed his gratitude for the confidence that interim head coach Lee Carsley has shown in him, despite being left out of England's Euro 2024 squad. Grealish anticipates that Carsley may face challenges in selecting the right team, given the wealth of talent available. The Manchester City forward played in England's recent matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, taking on a No 10 role as Carsley kicked off his tenure with two impressive victories. Grealish scored during the 2-0 win in Dublin and is now expected to compete for a spot in the lineup against Greece at Wembley on Thursday night. He will be vying for a position alongside Jude Bellingham and Cole Palmer, who were not part of the squad last month. Grealish emphasized that he contributes more to the team than just goals, highlighting his overall impact on the game. As Carsley navigates the selection process, he may find himself having sleepless nights trying to accommodate all the talented players at his disposal.