Lee Carsley makes awkward blunder and addresses mistake after England win over Ireland
Lee Carsley has opened up after awkwardly sitting on the Ireland bench during England's 2-0 Nations League win over their rivals on Saturday.
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Lee Carsley has opened up after awkwardly sitting on the Ireland bench during England's 2-0 Nations League win over their rivals on Saturday.
The 50-year-old was taking charge of the side for the first time, having been given the job on an interim basis following the recent departure of Gareth Southgate.
Prior to kick off, Carsley accidentally sat on the Ireland bench before quickly realising the error of his ways.
The England boss then went to the right dugout as goals from Declan Rice and Jack Grealish gave his side lift-off and all three points in their Nations League clash.
Lee Carsley has opened up after awkwardly sitting on the Ireland bench during England's 2-0 Nations League win over their rivals on Saturday.
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Carsley was asked about the awkward mistake in his post-match press conference.
And the former Everton midfielder couldn't resist making a joke about himself as he explained how the situation unfolded.
“I did go down the tunnel and turn right," he said.
“As you know, I spent a lot of time on the bench so I know exactly where that is!
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"Then I realised that no one was on there and that the other coaches were on the other bench, so it was quickly resolved.”
Carsley made 40 appearances for Ireland during his own playing days before retiring from football after a brief stint with Coventry City back in 2011.
All in all, Saturday was a positive first night for the ex-midfielder as England won in style.
It was fitting that Rice and Grealish, two players who represented Ireland at youth level earlier in their careers, were on target during the clash in Dublin.
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Carsley did, however, insist that the players must take credit for their performance - rather than himself.
"It's definitely not," he said when asked if England's quality on the ball was evidence of his style being implemented.
“It’s definitely not my style. It’s the players that are capable of receiving the ball in tight areas and playing through.
"I’m just lucky I’m coaching them. I don’t see this as my style.
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Lee Carsley was happy after England beat Ireland 2-0 in their Nations League clash on Saturday night
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"They should take all the credit for the way they’ve been. You could see they were trying to do the right things and I think we can be really pleased.”
He added: "I thought it was good in parts.
"You've seen some of the things we've tried to do. The lads have to take all of the credit.
"I think we’ve showed we’ve got some real talent and we can be really pleased with the clean sheet as well.”
Lee Carsley's England beat Ireland courtesy of goals from Declan Rice (pictured) and Jack Grealish
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England are next in action against Finland on Tuesday night.
The Three Lions last faced the minnows in 2001, with Michael Owen and David Beckham on target in a 2-1 victory on that occasion.