Lee Carsley makes feelings clear on Trent Alexander-Arnold as Jude Bellingham reminder issued
Lee Carsley led England to victories in both of their UEFA Nations League matches, with 2-0 wins over Republic of Ireland and Finland, as Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold shone in both
Trent Alexander-Arnold will finally see his England career get lift-off under Lee Carsley.
Incredibly, Liverpool full back Alexander-Arnold has made just 31 appearances for England in six years since making his debut after being underused in the past. Part of that was down to England struggling to find his best position either at full back or in midfield and also focusing too much on his defensive weaknesses.
However, Carsley says he will always focus on a players’ strengths rather than his weaknesses which he admits is something he has developed as a coach.
When talking about focusing on Alexander-Arnold’s strengths, Carsley said: ““I’ve tried to always do that. I think we’re lucky that the first thing I look at in a player is what they’re really good at, rather than what they can’t do. The stuff they can’t do we try and hide.
“I think it’s something I’ve improved on. When I first started coaching, I coached players like I played which, as you can imagine, wasn’t very good to watch. Sometimes it’s difficult to adjust your eye to players who are more creative and make more mistakes, but make more chances and create more chances and they hurt the opposition more.
"So I’ve had to adjust to my way.”
Meanwhile, the interim boss has said Jude Bellingham is “highly motivated” to get back into the England set-up.
Carsley has revealed he has already swapped texts with the Real Madrid superstar who missed this camp through injury. Bellingham, 21, is hoping to be back next month but Carsley has been in touch with a player he knows through Birmingham connections and also the under-21s set-up.
Carsley said: “I was definitely aware of him at Birmingham even if he was too young and I’ve spoken to him by text to see how his injury is because he’s a player that I’m really looking forward to working with. He’s a player who is highly motivated to play for England, do well and coming off the back of a disappointing summer in terms of losing in the final, I’m sure he’s motivated as well.
"Players like Jude, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer all missed out this time and they’re all outstanding talents and I’m lucky to work with Phil and Cole.
“I think I had Jude when I was assisting with the 21s for a couple of camps. Looking forward to working with him.”
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