Carsley's focus on getting job done

INTERIM England boss Lee Carsley is focused on getting the job done by sealing Nations League promotion with victory against the Republic of Ireland in his final match before handing over to Thomas Tuchel.

- SIMON PEACH

The Football Association temporarily promoted the Under-21s boss for the three autumn camps after Gareth Southgate left the post following July's Euro 2024 final defeat.

Carsley's six-game caretaker stint has been bookended by matches against Ireland and promotion back to the Nations League top tier is the reward if he oversees another win against the country he represented as a player.

A sell-out Wembley crowd will be in attendance this evening to see if England can get over the line and build on Thursday's 3-0 triumph in Greece as the curtain comes down on the year and Carsley's reign.

"It's a great role, it's been a brilliant experience," Carsley said. "At times it's been tough, but the tough times have been outweighed by nights like the other night.

"You always question whether you could do it. You know, in terms of being in your comfort zone, it's something that both myself and the staff have been out of which has done us good.

"Our focus is really on tomorrow now, in terms of the future. That's my priority, making sure that we get job done tomorrow.

"Fully respectful of Ireland and the strengths that they have, so we have to make sure that we approach the game properly." Carsley is determined to end on a high - especially as his last Wembley experience was October's chastening 2-1 defeat to Greece - and hand over to Tuchel in the best way possible.