Jack Grealish leaves England fans in no doubt about dressing room view of Lee Carsley
Jack Grealish opened the scoring as England got back on track with a comfortable win over England and the Manchester City star has hinted he would be delighted to see Lee Carsley remain manager
by Jacob Leeks · The MirrorJack Grealish has backed Lee Carsley's managerial abilities after opening the scoring in England's win over Finland.
Carsley has come under pressure in recent days after a false nine experiement against Greece backfired, with his Three Lions side falling to a shock defeat. England regrouped for their trip to Finland, with Carsley's men securing a comfortable 3-1 win.
Grealish was one of six changes to the side which lost to Greece on Thursday as Carsley tried to get England's Nations League campaign back on track. They duly put in a much secure performance, though Thursday's loss has dented Carsley's hopes of being appointed permanently.
But the interim boss has clearly earned the backing of the Three Lions dressing room. Manchester City star Grealish has hailed Carsley as a 'top, top manager' and hit out at the criticism he has been receiving.
"We could have had a few more but it was difficult at times. 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. The celebration was for my little daughter," Grealish told ITV Sport.
"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. Whatever happens with the England manager, people will always say negative stuff.
"Before people were crying out for all attacking players to play and it didn't work. I don't get it, it can happen in games. I love coming here, a top, top manager and I love playing for him."
It is a relationship that goes both ways, with Carsley making it clear that he is a huge fan of Grealish. But the interim boss did hint that he does not believe he is the best man for the permanent job.
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"Jack was outstanding. It was a shame he missed the Greece game. I thought he would've been effective. Jack was very good and he's an infectious character, really pleased with him," Carsley told ITV.
"We were looking for a reaction and this is only four games into it so I've still not quite worked out how the team respond to setbacks. They've responded in the best way tonight. Scored three good goals but disappointed to concede at the end.
"But we can still be better. I've not really thought much about it. I keep saying the same thing. My remit was six games and I'm happy with that. This is a privileged position. I'm really enjoying it but I didn't enjoy the last two days.
"I'm not used to losing in an England team, I don't take losing well. People are always going to try and put their chips on one side. I'm in the middle. My bosses have made it clear what they need from me. This job deserves a world class coach who has won trophies and I am still on the path to that."
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