England’s stand-in skipper John Stones compares Lee Carsley to PEP GUARDIOLA in massive endorsement of interim boss

JOHN STONES believes Lee Carsley has got England playing like Manchester City.

The Three Lions star sees parallels with how interim boss Carsley and City chief Pep Guardiola set up their teams to play attacking football.

England face Greece at a sold-out Wembley in the Nations League ON Thursday, with skipper Harry Kane a big doubt following injury.

It will be Carsley’s third game since replacing Gareth Southgate on a temporary basis.

And defender Stones said: “There are a lot of similarities between Lee and Pep in how they see the game and how they want us to play.

“We saw that last month when we played the two games and got we played the two games and got positive results.

“It’s been great for me with the likenesses of how we play.

“They do a lot of research on us as players, see how we play at our clubs and then try to bring that in.

“That makes it as easy as possible for us, as players, to gel together.”

Stones skippers the Three Lions from the start of a match for the first time on his 82nd cap.

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He said: “To be asked to captain England was everything I could have dreamed of as a kid.

“For my family to see me walk out as captain is going to be such a memorable moment.

“I was speechless when Lee asked me. It was just an incredible moment.

“To walk out with the armband is an honour I will cherish forever.”

England beat Ireland and Finland 2-0 last month and Stones feels the squad have got used to a new regime after Gareth Southgate and No 2 Steve Holland led them at four major finals.

Stones added: “We have bedded in now. I mentioned before how it was a strange feeling after being with Steve, Gareth, all the team.

“And I’ve not had many managers throughout my career.

“So it was a strange transition period with new faces and new challenges — and I think we have now settled in.

“It has been a seamless transition, which is just a credit to them and not easy to do.”

Striker Kane, 31, was unable to train properly this week after suffering groin and ankle issues playing for German giants Bayern Munich.

And Ollie Watkins looks set to start in his place, while Tottenham new-boy Dominic Solanke is likely to feature at some stage.

The Three Lions were hit by Morgan Gibbs-White, Ezri Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo pulling out of the squad after picking up injuries during last weekend’s Prem games.

Carsley called up Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Newcastle defender Tino Livramento.

At the back, Stones is set to partner Levi Colwill, while in-form Chelsea star Cole Palmer is also expected to start.

And Carsley explained: “Kane is nursing an injury — a small knock — and it’s something we won’t take a chance with.

“We are not ruling out Harry from being on the bench but he won’t start against Greece.

“Hopefully he will be in contention for Sunday in Finland, time will tell.

“It was a great chat to have with John on Tuesday night — to have the chance to ask him to captain the team.

“It’s a brilliant achievement and it’s something that he deserves, with the experience he has and his professionalism.

“He just shows a great example to the younger players.”

City winger Jack Grealish is unlikely to feature against Greece.

Carsley added: “Jack will be assessed later but he had a slight knock in training on Wednesday.

“We wouldn’t gamble with any of the players — it’s important we put them first.”