CRYSTAL Palace defender Marc Guehi has given Lee Carsley the seal of approval after the interim boss started his time in charge with two wins from two in the Nations League.
The Three Lions kicked off the Carsley reign with a 2-0 win against Ireland in Dublin followed by another 2-0 win against Finland at Wembley on Tuesday night.
Guehi started against Ireland and came on in the 79th minute against the Finns as Harry Kane scored his 67th and 68th international goals on his 100th cap.
Palace attacker Eberechi Eze came on in both games, while Eagles goalkeeper Dean Henderson was an unused substitute in both.
“It was good. It was exactly what the manager wanted,” Guehi said after the Finland match.
“We talked about control in the last camp, and making sure we established ourselves and built ourselves back up again.
“We enjoy playing together. I’m happy to get the win together again, and happy for Harry – an amazing achievement – so it’s a good day.”
Carsley took over from former Palace defender Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024 and the ex-Everton and Ireland midfielder is a contender for the job on a permanent basis.
Guehi added: “I’ve enjoyed it. Obviously having worked with [Carsley] in the under-21s before is a big help, so I kind of understand exactly what he wants from us.
“It’s exactly the same, not much difference: short connections, enjoy playing together, and making sure that we’re a team who establishes control in games and has that throughout the game. Ultimately, we’re attacking, trying to score goals – those are the main messages.
“I think it suits everyone, to be honest. Every single person in this team is good on the ball, and we need to show that even more so. What he’s asking from us isn’t something new, in a way, but it’s something we can do a little bit more of.
“It’s been a good camp. There’s not been too much difference. It’s always enjoyable coming back with the boys.
“There’s good banter off the pitch, enjoying each other’s company, and the training’s been really intense, really good, so it’s been good.”
Meanwhile, Carsley admits he is still settling into the role.
He said: “I definitely don’t feel comfortable still, I have been out of my comfort zone. Enjoyable but we have to had make sure every single day we are producing high standards. [We were] fortunate to get two good results and [it is] about building on that.”
“Harry took his goals really well, a big occasion for him. Kids being here, an emotional night, but really happy for Harry. He fully deserves all the plaudits. What I have noticed this week is he is highly motivated to play for England and score goals and to have a centre-forward like that, hopefully it continues.”
England’s next games in Group 2 in the second tier of the competition are next month against Greece and Finland.
