A CONFIDENCE-BOOSTER

Ahead of Finland match, interim England boss Carsley, players inspired by each other

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Lee Carsley said there were times when he wondered if he was out of his depth as England's interim manager but their 2-0 win over Ireland in Dublin on Sept 7 in his first game in charge has quietened that self-doubt.

Carsley, who represented Ireland 40 times having qualified to play for the country through his grandmother, has been installed as caretaker while England search for a full-time successor to Gareth Southgate.

The win over Ireland not only gave England the ideal start to their Nations League Group B2 campaign but may also have boosted Carsley's chances of filling the role permanently.

He will be at the helm on Sept 10 against Finland at Wembley.

"You always think it's easy to be the England manager when you're sat in the house but there have been times where I've thought I'm not sure I could do it," Carsley told British media.

"But it (the Dublin win) has done my confidence good and the rest of the staff, as well that, actually, we're OK, we'll be all right.