It was short, ultimately beautiful and certainly not without incident, but the Lee Carsley England 'era' is now officially over and the interim boss has returned the Three Lions to the top tier of the Nations League – where it was, quite frankly, ridiculous that in reality they are not.
Carsley's understated style may have been a little unusual at times, but one thing England fans can't deny is that the temporary tactician has introduced a number of talented tyros during his time in charge, with no fewer than eight debuts and players emerging from the fringes come. to the star.
But if Carsley hands over the baton to Thomas Tuchel, which players who shone under his leadership will be key for the new boss in 2026 World Cup qualifying and the tournament itself? We asked the Mirror Football team to make their picks:
Jeremy Cross-Lewis Hall
He arrived late in Lee Carsley's time as caretaker, but Lewis Hall showed what a huge future he can have at the top level.
Hall made his debut as a second-half substitute in last week's win in Greece, before making his full debut as England defeated the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday. The left back position has been a tricky situation for the Three Lions in recent times.
Luke Shaw would become the permanent successor, if he could stay fit. But he can't. Shaw is no longer the future at this position – and Hall is.
The Newcastle full-back made the most of his opportunity to impress. He has speed, composure, good positioning and is eager to attack. He also has the advantage of being known by Thomas Tuchel, who gave Hall his Chelsea debut. If he can continue to mature and keep his feet on the ground, the 20-year-old has a long international career ahead of him.
Daniel Orme-Morgan Rogers
Morgan Rogers' rise over the past eighteen months has been nothing short of meteoric and the Aston Villa star shows no signs of slowing down. After making his England debut during the last international spell, he will be confident of making his first start for the Three Lions if he continues his good form.
His versatility – being able to play on the wings or centrally – appealed to Carsley with both the under-21s and the senior side, and that aspect should see him establish himself under Tuchel.
Rogers obviously faces stiff competition for a starting spot on the flanks from the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and more. There is no reason why he shouldn't carve out a role for himself if he continues his excellent form. With Rogers set to feature in both the Premier League and Champions League in the coming months, he has the perfect platform to impress Tuchel before the next international break in March.
John Cross-Lewis Hall and Curtis Jones
Maybe then we get the best of both worlds. Lee Carsley promoted youngsters that Thomas Tuchel might not otherwise have tried. But now Tuchel has the talent and experience to turn the youth into proven winners.
There are two players – sorry, I know the intention was to pick one – who have really stood out from this camp. Lewis Hall and Curtis Jones. If I really tried, I'd say Noni Madueke, but I don't see him displacing Bukayo Saka.
Hall reminds me of a young Ashley Cole. Fast, tenacious and has learned his trade in a different position (Cole winger, Hall midfield) which may give him a better appreciation for his all-round game. England have such a left-back problem, and Tuchel knows Hall from Chelsea. Hall can make the position his own.
Then there's Jones. The reason I like Jones is that if England have to play a 4-2-3-1, Jones can be the player next to Declan Rice at the base of midfield. His movement, energy and running are the perfect dovetail that England have been missing.
Felix Keith-Lewis Hall
It has been a very positive period for England after the final disappointment of Euro 2024 – and Lee Carsley deserves a lot of credit for that. There was a lot of anger about the withdrawal of players, but in retrospect it actually turned out to be useful after two wins.
There have been many standout performers, but I find it hard to see Noni Madueke taking Bukayo Saka's place, or Anthony Gordon replacing Cole Palmer. Curtis Jones is well placed to establish himself in midfield at the expense of Kobbie Mainoo if his fantastic Liverpool form continues.
But it is the left back where a place is really up for grabs. It has been a problem position for England in the long term, with Gareth Southgate fielding Kieran Trippier out of position for much of Euro 2024 before Luke Shaw returned for the final stages. Trippier has retired from international football and Shaw has major fitness problems.
Rico Lewis started three of Carsley's six games at left-back, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Levi Colwill also got a game. Yet it is Lewis Hall who I think could become Tuchel's favorite for the role. The Newcastle star, unlike Lewis, is left-footed, enterprising in the future and has a very high ceiling. Tuchel handed Hall his Chelsea debut and his move to Newcastle will provide him with plenty of opportunities to continue his development.
Scott Trotter-Lewis Hall
Lee Carsley left his own mark on England in his short spell with the team. After making eight debuts in his six games in charge and providing more opportunities for others, the Three Lions have learned something about their depth, even if nine players withdraw with injuries.
Thomas Tuchel will also put his own stamp on the team and will be looking for immediate success with just an 18-month contract. The German has built a reputation by relying on players who can perform for him and who will therefore continue to profile themselves as key figures, it is difficult to estimate. However, Lewis Hall could provide an answer to a problem.
The Newcastle left-back could be a natural option on England's left side, where injury has forced them to play without Luke Shaw and have instead deployed players out of position.
It's not to say the 20-year-old will be a guaranteed starter, but having been handed his Chelsea debut by Tuchel he offers a familiar option and, crucially, versatility. The youngster came through the Blues academy in midfield and started in the German coach's back three before gaining the bulk of his Premier League experience on the left flank. And he's very good too.
Andy Dunn – Anthony Gordon
First things first, don't forget that this was the second tier of the Nations League. Lee Carsley's kids were good, but the opposition was limited to say the least, so let's not get carried away with the achievements and promises of his eight debutants. And also remember that Thomas Tuchel is not concerned about development; he has one hit and then he goes to another elite club.
If more than a few of the Under-21 graduates bloodied by Carsley even make the World Cup squad, it would be a mild surprise. The most likely people to have caught his attention are Curtis Jones and Noni Madueke, the former for his calmness, the latter for his explosiveness.
But while Carsley didn't give him his debut, Anthony Gordon is the young player who has certainly made a shoo-in under Tuchel. Direct, dangerous and supremely confident, the 23-year-old started five of Carsley's six games and provided balance on the wing. Add to that the fact that Tuchel, when he was Chelsea manager, was desperate to sign Gordon and you can see why the Newcastle United winger is a certainty for the 2026 World Cup.
David Anderson – Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones is finally ready to blossom for England and Liverpool.
Jones has set himself the challenge of keeping a regular place at Liverpool and England are benefiting from his step up the class. His debut goal against Greece was sumptuous and his performances against Greece and the Republic of Ireland show he is full of confidence.
He is 23 and has the drive to become a star player for club and country. That can only be good news for Thomas Tuchel, considering what Lee Carsley has left him.
Jones wishes the responsibility of being a headman and becoming a father last month has only increased that feeling for him. He wants to make Liverpool's number 10 role his own in what will be a big season for the Reds under Arne Slot and he also has the temperament, hunger and ability to become a big player for England.
Neil Moxley – Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento
Tough to answer, this one, because I think a few are capable of moving on. A lot will depend on how much playing time they get at their respective clubs.
Lee Carsley has always liked Noni Madueke; he played regularly as a winger before moving to Chelsea. Despite the competition, he has a chance, as does Morgan Gibbs-White, who is making progress at Nottingham Forest. Morgan Rogers is a powerful runner with the ball at his feet and will benefit from the Champions League attention with Villa. But – and I look at where there are opportunities – the right and left back positions could be up for grabs.
Somehow England have gone from having an embarrassing array of talent at left-back to almost no talent at all. I saw Lewis Hall play for Newcastle against Nottingham Forest. He is neat and will improve. Kyle Walker can't stay at right-back forever and Tino Livramento is a great athlete. Can he keep himself fit?
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