Lee Carsley shares Thomas Tuchel texts as he prepares to hand over England reins

England interim manager Lee Carsley during a press conference at St George's Park (Image: PA Media)

Interim England manager Lee Carsley has yet to have a face-to-face conversation with the newly appointed head coach Thomas Tuchel, admitting that their communication has been limited to text messages.

Tuchel, who was named Gareth Southgate's successor last month, is set to officially start his role on January 1, leaving Carsley at the helm for the interim period.

This arrangement will end following the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland, after which Carsley will resume his duties with the Under-21s.

Despite having already managed four matches and being integral to the development pathway to the senior team, Carsley isn't worried about the lack of direct contact with Tuchel.

"I think it’s quite clear in terms of the starting date," he explained. "It was more of a text message to him which was ‘congratulations’ and he said ‘good luck for the window and look forward to meeting up’.

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"He is fully respectful that I am in charge at the moment. That is the priority. I do not feel hard done by or shunned."

"If anything I look forward to hopefully create a situation where we can hand over a healthy squad of players to the new coach and his squad."

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The revelation comes after Carsley faced a surprising defeat to Greece and navigated tricky questions about his interest in the permanent managerial position.

Carsley has confidently addressed the situation surrounding his role and Tuchel's appointment, stating: "My focus was massively on the games, on the camp. In terms of my position, I’m really comfortable with the way that it was handled.

"I didn’t feel undermined or anything like that. If anything I felt really well supported.

Thomas Tuchel will be the new England manager as of January 1 (Image: Getty)

"So in terms of the Greece performance there is definitely not an excuse or that I knew something or I didn’t. In respect to the performance it was down to me."

The England Under-21 boss announced his 26-man squad for the upcoming fixtures, including newcomers Lewis Hall and Taylor Harwood-Bellis, without any influence from the incoming Tuchel, claiming he was "selfish" in his selection.

Despite Jack Grealish's recent absence from Manchester City due to injury, Carsley has included him in the squad but acknowledges that Grealish's participation hinges on his fitness next week.

Responding to Pep Guardiola's comments about Grealish's availability post-international break, Carsley remarked: "That may be the case, that may be the case. We’ll monitor it as we’re going. If that’s the case that he’s not available then we’ll move."

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He confirmed that Grealish has been training and that discussions between medical teams are ongoing.

"So we’re hoping that we’ll assess him when he comes to camp," he added. "Jack is in the same position as maybe four or five other players that there’s question marks over whether they’re going to be involved or not.

"And I think as well, I don’t think this is the time of year to be gambling, or taking chances with players. If there’s a risk that they’re not fit, we won’t take that chance."



Lee Carsley shares Thomas Tuchel texts as he prepares to hand over England reins

Lee Carsley shares Thomas Tuchel texts as he prepares to hand over England reins

Lee Carsley shares Thomas Tuchel texts as he prepares to hand over England reins

Lee Carsley shares Thomas Tuchel texts as he prepares to hand over England reins
Lee Carsley shares Thomas Tuchel texts as he prepares to hand over England reins
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