Lee Carsley said the Wembley dugout can be “a lonely place when you’re not winning” as he spoke of his relief at guiding England back to the top level of the Nations League.
Carsley’s six-match spell as interim head coach ended with a 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland that secured promotion to the A-League.
He will now make way for Thomas Tuchel, who will begin work as England’s new coach on January 1.
Carsley led the Three Lions to five wins in his six games in charge, with his only defeat coming against Greece in October, when he picked an unconventional team loaded with attacking talent.
“I definitely felt like I was out of my comfort zone, but not beyond my capabilities,” Carsley said. “I never felt at any point that I was drowning or that I was struggling.
“I have taken confidence that I and the rest of the staff will be fine. I think we have become stronger as [international] The windows have been lit.
“You always learn a lot about yourself when you’re in a position you’re not used to. I think the nicest thing is that the younger players come out ahead.”
Carsley, who moved from his role as England Under-21 head coach to lead the senior team after Gareth Southgate resigned in July, gave eight players debuts during his tenure but was also pleased with how the more experienced players reacted. before him and his coaching staff.
“We have tried to change things,” he added. “We have tried to adapt and move forward in the style, the way we play, the control, the amount of possession we have, the amount of opportunities we create.
“There has been no resistance to that. If anything, they have accepted it. I think it helps that they have seen the 21 and the way the 21 have tried to control and score goals.”
