Thomas Tuchel is set to take over as England boss in the new year and Lee Carsley has insisted the Three Lions are “in a good position” to win the World Cup under the German
Lee Carsley insists England have got “the talent” to win the World Cup.
And Carsley believes it is now just down to Thomas Tuchel to find the right formula. Former Chelsea boss Tuchel takes over on January 1 with the clear mandate to lead England to World Cup glory in 2026.
Tuchel is a proven winner having lifted the European Cup during his time in charge at Chelsea and will take over one of England’s most talented generations. Interim boss Carsley has also nurtured a new wave of players during his time in charge and he says they can take the final step having gone so close by reaching the final of the last two European Championships.
When asked whether Tuchel can deliver on his target of winning the World Cup, Carsley said: “I think we are in a good position to do that. I think we have the talent to do it.
“I have been lucky now to be at the last couple of World Cups and the timing of the players being in form, physically and mentally, at the right time, picking the right squad. We have got all of the tools. We just need to play them in the order.”
Carsley guided the likes of Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and Cole Palmer to glory in last year’s European under-21s Championships. They have been promoted during his time in charge to oversee England’s Nations League campaign and now the youngsters could get their chance with established stars like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.
But Carsley expects a tougher ride in the United States for the next World Cup but says the players will now also believe they can do it. Carsley added: “It is fair to say the challenges will be more difficult in the 18 months in terms of if we are going to win the World Cup. We have shown we can do it.”
Carsley also insists he will have no problem going back to work with England’s under-21s. Carsley oversaw England’s Nations League campaign and led them to promotion while also bringing through a raft of exciting youngsters.
That may have made it difficult to switch back to his “day job” with the under-21s after working with the seniors. It has also seen him linked with a potential switch into club management as his rollercoaster tenure has had more ups than downs.
But Carsley, who last year led England to their first under-21s European Championship since 1984, says he loves his current role and will also enjoy liaising with incoming senior boss Tuchel. Carsley said: “I love coaching the Under-21s, I absolutely love it.
“I said it yesterday, it’s all about the players. I’m not one that’s chasing anything. I’m really content with the job I do and I’ll do my best.” Carsley’s coaching cohorts Ashley Cole has now got a contract with the Football Association while Joleon Lescott will also return to working with the under-21s.
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