Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish aim subtle digs at Gareth Southgate after England hammer Ireland
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England duo Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish have appeared to take veiled swipes at former manager Gareth Southgate through their glowing tributes to interim boss Lee Carsley.
Both players have praised Carsley for bringing joy back to playing for the national team, following Southgate's departure after Euro 2024.
The comments come after Carsley's successful six-game spell in charge of the Three Lions, which saw the team secure promotion to the Nations League Group A.
Their pointed remarks about rediscovering enjoyment in an England shirt suggest underlying tensions during the previous regime.
England news: Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish have aimed digs under Gareth Southgate
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Carsley's brief tenure saw England achieve notable success, despite a setback in a defeat to Greece in October.
The former Everton midfielder guided the team to Nations League promotion after taking over from Southgate following the Euro 2024 final disappointment.
Thomas Tuchel has been confirmed as the next permanent England manager, with the German set to begin an 18-month contract on January 1.
England news: Lee Carsley signed off with a win as the Three Lions hammered Ireland 5-0 at Wembley on Sunday
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Before handing over the reins, Carsley will provide a comprehensive debrief to the former Chelsea coach ahead of England's World Cup qualifying campaign.
Real Madrid star Bellingham took to Instagram to express his gratitude to Carsley, writing: "Huge thanks to Lee and his staff for their work in these last few camps. Got my smile back in an England shirt, very grateful!"
Manchester City's Grealish was even more emphatic in his praise for the interim manager.
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PA"What a guy & manager!" Grealish posted on Instagram. "Absolute legend and thank you for bringing back the enjoyment in an England shirt."
These social media tributes from two of England's key players hint at possible discontent during the previous managerial regime.
Grealish was particularly vocal about his disagreement with Southgate's decision to leave him out of the Euro 2024 squad back in the summer, confessing that he wasn't pleased with the decision.
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"I'll be honest with you, I didn't really agree with it," the winger said of his Euros omission.
He defended his value to the team beyond goalscoring, comparing himself to other attacking options.
"I give so much more to the team than just goals," Grealish insisted.
The forward specifically praised Carsley's management style, saying: "I thank the manager here for giving me that chance and having that trust in me. It's really meant a lot."
England won five of their six matches under Carsley.
They were particularly impressive on Sunday, with the Three Lions beating the Republic of Ireland 5-0 following goals from Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
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