Carsley to England: New Opportunities for Liverpool’s Forgotten Lions | OneFootball

Will Lee Carsley Call Upon Liverpool’s Forgotten Lions?

Following the expected and frankly long overdue departure of England’s former manager, Gareth Southgate, I was immediately drawn to the idea of Jürgen Klopp taking over as the Three Lions head coach, due to his own resignation from Liverpool last season. Now that the dust has settled and my own clarity is restored, I can see that it was more my desire to keep Klopp close by, rather than a logical next step for both the illustrious manager and one of the most coveted international jobs in world football.

With that and the few weeks that have passed since, three names have risen to prominence to take over from the former Middlesbrough manager, Southgate, following England’s defeat at the recent European Championships final. Eddie Howe and Graham Potter remain in the frame for a permanent appointment, however, the superb and talented England under 21-manager, Lee Carsley, who won the underage European Championships only last summer, did so with a style of play that has quite rightly seen him take on the interim role for the senior side.

This clutch of games will allow the FA to evaluate the candidates, as they zero in on the next guy in charge. Once upon a time, this was the exact pathway that led the former Aston Villa defender, Southgate, into the permanent position of England head coach, which could repeat itself and open a pathway for some forgotten Liverpool players.

Photo: IMAGO

Which Reds Could Garner Favour with Carsley?

Unsurprisingly, Trent Alexander Arnold is the name that comes to the fore as the man that will surely benefit most from an altered regime. He and Curtis Jones will be those that should play a key role under Carsley, given their technical skill sets and ability to immerse themselves within a ball dominant system of play. Carsley’s run to European under-21 success in 2023, was with Jones as the holding midfielder and integral part of a double pivot midfield.

As a trusted and known quantity for the 50-year-old interim appointment, it would be fully justified to see him call upon his former captain and partner him alongside Arsenal’s box to box destroyer, Declan Rice. That middle ground pairing would offer good on and off ball control, allowing the chance to implement the game of the former 40-cap Republic of Ireland international.

Regarding the world class right back, Trent Alexander Arnold, the common outsider will almost certainly be given the opportunity to make a continuing impression for his country. His stuttering international career has been staggering, with his lack of game time pointing to the limitations of his former international manager. The suspected inclusion of a more defensive left back, such as Levi Colwill, would enable more freedom to Liverpool’s fabled number 66, as the primary playmaker for England. It is exciting to see what the Liverpool vice-captain could offer his nation, with an ability to produce world class performances for non-dogmatic stewards.

Photo: IMAGO

In defence, Jarell Quansah will now be deemed a viable option, as he enters his second season as a first team regular at an elite club. His aerial dominance and on ball control in a possession enterprise, should see him pushing for a starting role in the upcoming internationals. The curious case of Harvey Elliott should also be rewarded with a senior call up, as he, Jarell, and Curtis, have all had an existing relationship with the Birmingham born Carsley, as key figures during his previous role as England under-21 manager. As an already active member of the full squad, I expect Joe Gomez to maintain his selection in upcoming squads, as another ball playing defender that can take on the ethos of the new coach.

Can This Increase in England Call Ups Benefit the Reds?

Despite the reality of more international activity creating more games for overworked assets, I cannot help but want recognition for Liverpool stars that have been sidelined or overlooked by the previous England boss. Loyalist managers are rife within all levels of football, however, there must come a point where performance and quality override all else. The failure to win a tournament in the tenure of Southgate is quite damning, especially when you consider the opportunities posed by beatable opponents.

The confidence and determination to get into the new version of team England is upon this clutch of hopefuls, which could create a sharpened mentality for their club. The want for a new and exciting dawn is finally within reach of silverware hungry fans, who have been starved of glory for too long. New leadership can create new heroes and within the halls of Anfield, a contingent of England hopefuls may finally get their chance to shine, which is something I believe can aid both country and club alike.