‘Good on him’ – Lee Carsley wins the praise of Roy Keane after very frank admission following first two England games
ROY KEANE was full of praise for Lee Carsley after the England interim boss made a very frank admission last night.
Carsley led the Three Lions to a second win in four days with a 2-0 victory against Finland.
Harry Kane scored twice at Wembley as he won his 100th cap.
While Angel Gomes, a Carsley favourite from the U21s, made his first start as Noni Madueke bagged a debut from the bench.
And the impressive result followed Saturday’s 2-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
Carsley came under fire before his first match for refusing to sing the national anthem.
But he did not buckle under the pressure last night as he continued to remain silent during “God Save the King.”
However, Carsley admitted after the Finland game that the last few days had been a rollercoaster.
He admitted feeling “out of my comfort zone” on the touchline.
But Carsley was still delighted to start his reign with two solid victories.
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He said: “I definitely don’t feel comfortable, no. I’ve definitely been out of my comfort zone this international window.
“It’s been enjoyable but I’ve had to make sure that every single day I’m producing really high standards, as are the rest of the staff, and everyone seems to have responded.
“We’ve tried to do as good a job as we can. We’ve been fortunate to get two good results and it’s about building on that.”
Back in the studio, Keane was extremely receptive to Carsley’s frank admission.
Host Mark Pougatch first said: “That’s very honest from him. Nothing wrong with being out of your comfort zone from time to time.”
Keane chirped: “Yes he’s very honest. That’s what you like to see.
“He’s not trying to be someone he’s not. Good on him.”
England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day... but he's not the Three Lions' star man
TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.
Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.
SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…
Jordan Pickford – 6
Had nothing to do.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9
England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.
He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.
Ezri Konsa – 6
Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.
Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.
John Stones – 6
Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.
Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.
Rico Lewis – 7
In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.
Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.
Declan Rice – 5
Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.
Angel Gomes – 7
Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.
Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.
Jack Grealish – 7
Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.
Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.
Anthony Gordon – 7
Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.
But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.
Harry Kane – 8
Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 69 goals in 100 caps.
Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.
Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.
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Levi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6
Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.
Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6
Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.
Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7
Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.
Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6
As with Colwill, little to do.
Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6
Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.