Latest news with #LeeCarsley
BBC News
44 minutes ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Whirlwind two years lead Carsley to brink of more glory
Lee Carsley has had little time to reflect on his whirlwind two eve of his second European Under-21 Championship final, as England look to defend their title against Germany in Bratislava on Saturday, is unlikely to be the time either. Carsley's six-game spell in charge of the senior side last year thrust him into the spotlight, one which he was not used to, and a return to the Under-21s has done little to keep him under the radar after guiding them to the brink of another trophy. Two years ago it was new territory as England won the Under-21 Euros for the first time in 39 years but, such has been the nature of his journey, Carsley says he is yet to take in his achievements. "I was actually thinking about this the other day and how fast things have moved," he said. "I definitely need a bit of reflection time but it's been so exciting. I wouldn't have changed it. It was such a privilege to do." Carsley says he learned a lot from coaching the senior team."You always wonder whether you're capable of managing at that level, coaching at that level and that's fine," the 51-year-old said."It was something I enjoyed, something I didn't feel drowned by. I was excited by the games." 'We have to trust the players' A second European Under-21 title would match Dave Sexton's achievements of 1982 and 1984 but Carsley had already justified the Football Association's faith by delivering the trophy two years ago. There was a strong sense he could replace Sir Gareth Southgate as senior manager, especially after two opening wins against Ireland and Finland at the start of his interim spell last summer. He won five and lost one - a defeat to Greece which clearly still rankles - with Thomas Tuchel appointed last October, leaving Carsley to take charge of his final two games - Nations League victories against Greece and Ireland. Carlsley ultimately signed a new two-year deal with the Under-21s this month, one which will take him through to Euro 2027 in Albania and Serbia. A title defence would strengthen his case to be the man to succeed Tuchel. The German is due to be in Bratislava for Saturday's game and is dashing from the Club World Cup in America to watch the Young Lions and Carsley try to keep their composure against a Germany side they lost to last week. Yet Carsley remained one of the coolest men in a sweltering stadium during Wednesday's semi-final win against the Netherlands - despite his choice of a long-sleeve hooded top. He spent spells of the second half crouching, he was far from passive but there was no loss of temper, angst or nerves privately joked about keeping his temperament under wraps after the game, conceding he had felt the pressure, although stated publicly it was important to not let it show. "If you watch us training I'm probably not as calm but it's very difficult to coach on a matchday. We have to trust the players they can adopt the gameplan we've spoken about," said the 51-year-old."In terms of the way I want the team to play, if you saw me on the side ranting and raving I can't expect the players to be exciting, express themselves and play with freedom." Carsley has grown into the role. When he first succeeded Aidy Boothroyd in 2021 being a front facing member of the England set-up did not necessarily come naturally, even in small meetings with a limited number of reporters at St George's Park. A couple of slips during his time with the seniors - he was criticised for not singing the national anthem despite explaining it was something he did not do while playing for Ireland - and the surprising admission he would "hopefully" return to the Under-21s before Tuchel's appointment was announced, created more headlines than he then, though, he has relaxed, with side jokes about journalists' clothes in the hot Slovakian sun or nods in news conferences about topics he knew would come up from certain writers. His other senior management experience came from caretaker spells at Coventry, Brentford and Birmingham but he is at ease in Slovakia and it shows. He has respect from his peers too with Germany boss Antonio di Salvo, a former Bayern Munich forward, recognising the job Carsley has done. "I talk to Lee every so often, we are good colleagues and have seen each other at a number of Uefa meetings," he said. "After winning the title two years ago, he was also with the senior team and you can see their team is united and we can see his signature on it. He's doing a really good job." 'He makes everyone feel welcome and wanted' Carsley does not pretend to be someone he is not either. He is genuine and honest, with excellent man management skills, traits similar to Southgate who he worked so closely with, having joined his staff for Euro 2024. He brings the balls out for the warm-ups, not a usual responsibility the head coach, but a small statement of his ways. Noticeably, the players often use his nickname 'Cars' when talking about the head coach. Not 'the manager' or the 'gaffer' in a sign of his close relationship with them, which has allowed them to develop and shine in the knockout stages in Slovakia. "He's created a group but it's not just Lee. It's the whole whole staff group - it runs from the physios to the assistants, starts with Lee, runs all the way down," said defender Charlie Cresswell. "It feeds off to us players. We've got such a good group in there, the togetherness that we have as a squad it's inspirational."Captain James McAtee has spoken about Carsley's "belief and trust" while Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who scored in the group stage defeat to Germany agreed. Scott gives credit to Carsley's methods as a man and manager to perfectly encapsulate his personality. "It's something that started with Gareth and what he brought into the England set-up, and Lee has done the same thing. The relationship we have as a team and the things we do off the pitch ultimately come together on it."Cars is massive for the group and makes everyone feel welcome and wanted as players. To have that relationship with your coach on and off the pitch is so important if we want to be successful."Winning the tournament two years ago and taking the seniors for those games, Cars has shown how good a man and coach he is."It will still matter regardless of the outcome in Slovakia but winning would create Carsley's legacy and the former Coventry and Everton midfielder is eyeing a dynasty. "Our record at this tournament, it's fair to say, isn't great. From not qualifying for the tournament or getting knocked out in the group stages," he said."Obviously Dave Sexton started off great and you'd like to see a period of domination but we didn't do that. "Spain have done it, Italy have done it, Germany have done it, the Netherlands have done it. We have to make sure we're there."
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
England U21 vs Germany U21 prediction, odds and betting offer
The European Championship U21 final finds old rivals England face Germany with both sides equally matched as the Young Lions look to secure back-to-back U21 titles England's U21 team stands on the brink of history, just one victory away from becoming the first side since Spain in 2013 to clinch consecutive U21 European Championship titles. This opportunity arises after a thrilling 2-1 triumph over the Netherlands, thanks to Harvey Elliott's crucial double, propelling the Young Lions into Saturday night's final. Under Lee Carsley's guidance, England's journey has been a rollercoaster. They began with a promising 3-1 win against the Czech Republic but then faced challenges, drawing 0-0 with Slovenia and losing to Germany in their final group match. However, they found their stride in the quarter-finals, defeating Spain 3-1 in a repeat of the final from two years ago in Georgia. The Young Lions aim to secure a standalone third place in the all-time list of U21 European champions. Their previous successes were in the early 1980s, and they ended a long title drought by lifting the trophy again in 2023. Germany has been dominant throughout this year's tournament, winning all five of their matches, including a victory over England in the group stage. Antonio di Salvio's squad is riding high on an unbeaten streak of 20 matches since their last defeat, which coincidentally was to England. In this summer's competition, Germany opened with a commanding 3-0 win over Slovenia, followed by a 4-2 triumph over the Czech Republic. They capped off their group stage with a 2-1 victory over the defending champions. Their path to the semi-finals included an extra-time win against Italy after conceding a late equaliser but eventually securing a spot in the last four. Germany's semi-final against France was straightforward, as they surged to a 2-0 lead within the first 15 minutes and concluded with a decisive 3-0 win. England has bested Germany in two of their last three encounters at U21 level under Carsley's leadership, although their most recent clash in this tournament ended in Germany's favour. Saturday night promises an electrifying showdown as these two powerhouses meet once more in the U21 Euros final. England enters as slight favourites due to their knockout stage experience and arguably stronger squad depth, despite having already suffered a defeat to Germany earlier in this competition. England U21 vs Germany U21 Odds England - 13/8 Draw - 27/10 Germany - 13/8 18+ | Gamble responsibly | | Odds subject to change England U21 vs Germany U21 Betting Tips Both teams to score - 1/2 Harvey Elliott to score anytime - 3/1 18+ | Gamble responsibly | | Odds subject to change England U21 vs Germany U21 Betting Offers If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site. Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here. Gamble responsibly Article continues below Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit
Glasgow Times
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Thomas Tuchel's presence will motivate England Under-21s in final
The Young Lions' victory over the Netherlands this week put them within one match of retaining their crown in Slovakia. Senior coach Tuchel is set to make the journey to Bratislava as England meet his home nation, who cruised past France 3-0 in their semi-final. 'If he does come it will be extra motivation for the lads to win,' Young Lions skipper McAtee said. 'More reason to impress the manager.' The likes of Liam Delap, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have been on the scoresheet at the Club World Cup for their respective sides as they bid to earn places in England's World Cup squad next summer. Tuchel has been in the United States monitoring his players, with English clubs Chelsea and Manchester City advancing into the knockout stages. 'Thomas' support has been very strong from the start,' Lee Carsley added. 'He's at the Club World Cup. The travel arrangements have been made, so hopefully he gets here on time.' Germany are unbeaten in the tournament so far and beat England 2-1 in the group stage. Striker Nick Woltemade, who has drawn interest from Bayern this summer, has scored six goals in four appearances in Slovakia and will be one for England to keep an eye on. Lee Carsley drew confidence for England's run to the final despite losing to Germany in Group B (Martin Rickett/PA) 'After the game, I was more than confident that this team had clicked and we were in a good position,' Carsley said on England's Group B defeat to their fellow finalists. 'I thought that we'd be there. I wasn't sure if they would be there. I was confident that we were going to do well in this tournament. I've got a lot of belief in this team. 'I knew the second half against Germany, we clicked. In the first half, it would be fair to say, especially the first 20 minutes, we did not play well.'
Daily Mail
6 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
REVEALED: The one key message inside England's dressing room from Charlie Cresswell as U21's bid to down Germany in Euros final
Charlie Cresswell has issued a rallying cry to his England team-mates and urged them to squeeze every last drop out to beat Germany and win the Under-21 Euros. Germany have been the team of the tournament so far, winning Group B - which included England - and have knocked off Italy and France en route to the final. While England got 'punched in the face' against the Netherlands, Cresswell is confident the Young Lions can go back to back as Euros winners, provided they aren't outworked by old foe Germany. 'Just give your best,' he said of his message in the dressing room. 'If we win, we win. If we lose, we lose but no one's going to say anything if you give 100 per cent. 'Just give everything out there and then hold your head high.' While Cresswell doesn't wear the captain's armband he is the one that others rally behind; the vocal leader that is unrelenting in driving standards on the pitch for Lee Carsley. 'I enjoy a battle! You know me! It was good,' he said of edging past the Dutch, a game in which his error allowed Noah Ohio a chance to score a 40-yard stunner. 'You know this team's got character. We get punched in the face with a goal like that and then we came back and Harvey [Elliott] does his thing. So, yes, good mood, the feeling is great.' Many of Cresswell's formative summers were spent in the pub alongside his dad watching England's senior side suffer heartache after heartache at major tournaments. 'I was brought up with England always a massive part of my childhood,' he said. 'I'd go to the local pub and I'd be watching the first team with all my mates, my dad's mates and it would be like a big deal. 'So for me every time I pull on an England shirt it feels like an honour, a huge honour. I'm immensely proud that I get to do this. 'For me to go out there and give my everything it's the least I can do.' Given that, is there not an extra layer of pressure and responsibility he feels as a player now having suffered the heartache of a supporter in pubs up and down the country? 'Maybe you'd say unfazed,' he added. 'The seniors have done a great job. Playing for England… it's not easy, you know, and people think England are going to steamroll most countries. It's not easy. 'There's a pressure that comes with playing for England but it's how you handle that pressure. 'You're going out there and it is just a game of football. I know you're playing for your country but it's just another game of football. It's how you handle that pressure individually and collectively. Everyone's different.' Cresswell and Co now face a quick turnaround in recovery to prepare for Saturday's final where, for the first time since the 1980s, England have the chance to go back to back as winners of this competition. For those in the pubs up and down the country watching on, nobody will be able to question this group's effort, not with Cresswell leading the way.
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Thomas Tuchel set to make last-minute 5000-mile trip to Slovakia to watch England U21 in Euro final
THOMAS TUCHEL is making the 5,000-mile trip to cheer on England Under-21s, hoping to spark a golden year ending in World Cup glory. The senior England boss jets in from the Club World Cup in America to watch the Young Lions in tomorrow's Euros final against his home nation Germany. 1 Lee Carsley has backed this crop to kick off a new Golden Generation with a second straight title in Slovakia. U21s boss Carsley said: 'The travel arrangements have been made for him to get to the game, hopefully he gets here on time. He's been a great support for myself. 'He's very interested in the players, he's committed to the Under-21s. 'He was very supportive when I was picking the squad and the information about what he may need for obviously two games himself in the summer. 'We'll look forward to having him here. I've not known him long but he's a very nice guy. We look forward to welcoming him here. 'He's been there whenever I've needed him in terms of on the phone or a message. Same with the rest of the staff. We've got a good relationship.' On his Young Lions side, ex-Everton player Carsley said: 'It helps that they've got that experience of winning with England. We believe they can. I've got a lot of belief in them. 'They're an exciting team, they've grown as the tournament's gone on. 'Hopefully they get what they deserve.' SunSport exclusively revealed senior German boss Julian Nagelsmann is taking time out of a holiday in Majorca to attend. Now Tuchel is following suit after leaving Florida. Tuchel was Stateside to watch Manchester City smash Juventus 5-2 but has now boarded a flight and is travelling back across the pond. Should his schedule go to plan, Tuchel will land in Slovakia tomorrow afternoon. He will then be in the stands alongside Nagelsmann, the man he replaced at Bayern Munich in 2023, in the VIP seats at the Narodny Futbalovy Stadion. Tuchel has been in the US to watch a number of his international stars, combining the trip with a recce ahead of next summer's World Cup there. England captain James McAtee said: 'I didn't know he was coming. If he does it'd be extra motivation for the lads to win.' Manchester City 's star, 22, has no problem missing the Club World Cup. He said: 'It's a tough one to answer — but I do not regret my decision at all. 'I'm happy, I'm here and my focus is now on this, it's not on the Club World Cup. 'The highlight was definitely on the pitch against Spain in the quarters, the opening goal. But I am hoping I can add a more special highlight.'
