Lee Carsley vows to continue with bold tactics as England U21 look to qualify for European Championship knockouts against Israel
- Carsley fielded seven midfielders for the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic
- He has insisted he has more plans in store for Sunday’s game
- England is short on forward options after losing Folarin Balogun to the US
Lee Carsley vowed to continue his daring tactical tinkering as the England Under-21s aim to qualify for the European Championship knockouts on Sunday.
The England coach selected seven midfielders for Thursday night’s 2-0 win against the Czech Republic, a move that caught fans by surprise.
However, Carsley insisted he has more plans in store as they try to progress in the league, facing Israel on Sunday after drawing 1-1 with Germany.
“We tried to think of two or three ways to exploit the opposition,” Carsley said. “We will try to find holes and spaces. I’m surprised there’s surprise [back home]. Today’s players are multifunctional.
“I see that we have a lot of players in this team who can play different roles. The most important thing for me is also the understanding of the things that are out of possession.’
England U21 manager Lee Carsley vowed to continue his daring tactics when his side take on Israel
Carsley took on seven attackers on Thursday in the 2-0 win over the Czech Republic
Anthony Gordon led the line after playing alongside Newcastle for most of the season
Carsley admitted the Czechs were too easily able to counter his side in the opening game, with England indebted to goalkeeper James Trafford with two great saves to 0-0 up.
“When you start an attacking line-up like that, you’re always susceptible to a counterattack,” the 49-year-old added.
“A lot of it came from us on the ball in good areas and making a mistake, or a touch wasn’t quite right. Either the pass was the wrong side of the player or the wrong pace. It ensures that we are aware of that.’
Carsley – who is without Max Aarons due to illness, with Ben Johnson and Luke Thomas battling for the left back spot – must make decisions right for Israel.
Anthony Gordon led the line in Batumi, with the team’s only recognized striker, Cameron Archer, assisting fellow substitute Emile Smith Rowe on the late decisive goal.
The team is short of attackers and loses Folarin Balogun (center) to the United States
“The way we chose the squad, if we make a change it shouldn’t affect the team too much,” said Carsley.
“We knew we would lose Flo if we got into the tournament [Balogun, to the United States] at a late stage and Rhian Brewster is injured, which is a big loss for us, that we should be creative in the forwards.
Part of the team selection was the flexibility to play with a different kind of nine. I see pretty much all forwards, whether wide players or forwards, being able to do those nines.
“With Anthony you get a different type of nine than with Cole [Palmer] or Curtis [Jones] or Emily. We have plenty of options.’