Jack Grealish issues firm defence of Lee Carsley after scoring for England again: 'I love playing for him'

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Evening Standard

·13 Oktober 2024

Jack Grealish issues firm defence of Lee Carsley after scoring for England again: 'I love playing for him'

Man City winger has now scored twice in three games under interim England boss

Jack Grealish says he "loves playing" for Lee Carsley after scoring again under the interim head coach in England's 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday.

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Grealish made it two goals in three appearances under Carsley -- the same number he managed in 36 games with Gareth Southgate -- as England responded to Thursday's shock defeat to Greece at Wembley with a comfortable victory in the Nations League.

Carsley played five forwards but no recognised striker in the 2-1 reverse at Wembley, but returned to a more conventional line-up in Helsinki, with Trent-Alexander Arnold and Declan Rice adding second-half goals before Arttu Hoskonen's late consolation.

Carsley afterwards effectively appeared to rule himself out of contention for the permanent head coach's job, saying England deserve "a world class manager" with a history of winning trophies, but Grealish is happy playing for the 50-year-old and bemused by the recent criticism.

"Listen, I don't think it's been difficult [for Carsley]," Manchester City's Grealish told ITV.

"Whatever happens with the England manager, some people will always say negative stuff. Before, people were crying out for all the so-called attacking players to play and we did it, it didn't work for one game and there's a few people moaning.

Jack Grealish says he does not understand the criticism of Lee Carsley

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"My honest opinion, I don't get it, it can happen in games, everyone gets beaten in international football. I love coming here, he's a top, top manager, a brilliant guy and I love playing for him."

Grealish finished after a gorgeous round-the-corner pass by Angel Gomes, who started for the second time under Carsley, and Alexander-Arnold's brilliant 25-yard free-kick killed the game as a contest.

"We could have had a few more but it was difficult at times," Grealish added.

"The goal came from the manager letting us play with that freedom. I play with Angel Gomes in training and I know what a top player he is, I can remember it being a brilliant assist. The celebration was for my little daughter, that one was for her.

"I joked to Trent [Alexander-Arnold] before the free-kick 'score this I will give you 500 quid' and he slapped it in top bin. So I owe him now, he'll be saying that to me."