Lee Carsley is embracing the opportunity to shape the future of English football once again as he leads the England Under-21s into the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia. Fresh from signing a new contract with the FA that extends through the 2027 U21 EURO, Carsley is eager to continue his work with the next generation of talent and potentially emulate the success of Dave Sexton's teams from the early 1980s.
Carsley's journey with the U21s began in July 2021, and he has since become a vital figure in the FA's development pathway. His influence extends beyond the U21s, as he also stepped in as interim manager for the senior squad last autumn, guiding them to promotion back to the top tier of the UEFA Nations League. This experience, coupled with his previous coaching roles within the development system, has given him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing young English players.
The immediate focus, however, is on the U21 EURO in Slovakia. England finds themselves in a challenging group alongside Czechia, Slovenia, and Germany. Carsley is relishing the chance to test his team against top-quality opposition, emphasizing the importance of development on the international stage. "It's a privilege to have the opportunity to work with a young, talented group and help develop them," Carsley stated, highlighting his commitment to nurturing the potential within the squad.
Carsley is also aware of the broader implications of success at the U21 level. He believes that a strong showing at the EUROs can help change the perception of English players, particularly regarding their technical abilities. "You want foreign journalists to speak about our players the way that we sometimes speak about their players in terms of their technical ability or the way that they can take the ball. I think we're definitely changing that perception of English players," he said.
The England U21s have already made a statement by defeating Spain 3-1 in the quarter-finals, securing a spot in the semi-finals against the Netherlands. Carsley acknowledges the challenges posed by the Dutch team, describing them as "very attacking, very expansive in the way they play, technically." He is also taking the Bratislava heat in stride, ensuring the team is well-prepared and has effective hydration strategies in place. "We've not shied away from the heat," Carsley said. "We've exposed the players to it fully. We're ready for it. We're fully prepared now."
Looking ahead, Carsley is excited about the future. His new contract signals a long-term commitment to the FA and the development of young English talent. Qualifying for the 2027 U21 EURO in Albania will be a key objective over the next two years. For now, however, his attention is firmly fixed on the present, and helping his team achieve their goals in Slovakia. "The priority is the Euros and I won't be taking my eye off of that," Carsley affirmed.
