Carsley Anticipates “tough game” for England in Greece

Interim England Manager, Lee Carsley is anticipating “a tough game” against Greece in a must-win clash.

Having suffered a home defeat to Greece last month following a disastrous tactical experiment, England head to Athens knowing that only a win would keep alive their dreams of automatic promotion to UEFA Nations League A.

Carsley has vowed to not repeat those blunders in Athens as he addressed the media in his pre-match press conference, instead promising a more conventional approach which will please Brits alike.

“A lot of things! First and foremost, the tempo we have to play at and the chances we create we have to take. Real basics, but a good reminder.

“We tried something different that night so you’ll probably see something more conventional tomorrow in terms of the way we play, but I expect us to play a good, attacking style and hopefully we can get a good result.”

On what he expects from Greece who know that only defeat would deny them promotion with a game to spare, Carsley added: “We’re expecting a tough game and it’s one we have to win.

“But we’re really looking forward to it, we’ve had a good week’s training, the players are in good spirits and it’s going to be a sell out with a great atmosphere.”

England however has been hit by multiple injuries with nine withdrawals, which includes Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka amongst others.

Carsley however has dismissed any thought that the injury crisis will impact the team against Greece, instead believing that it gives other players a chance to impress ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s arrival as manager in January 2025.

“The focus all camp has been on the players that are here and it’s important that we make the most of this situation.

“With the amount of players that have pulled out, it gives other players an opportunity to be here.

“We’re really looking forward to the game and it’s going to be a tough test for us and the focus has been purely on the players that are here.”

Carsley though noted that November is the worst month of the international football calendar but credited Gareth Southgate for creating “a really positive environment…” for players to excel in if fit for selection.