Lee Carsley: 'There were a lot of positives'

England men’s under-21s head coach Lee Carsley was delighted with his side’s performances during the October international window.

The Young Lions recorded wins over Moldova and Andorra in their 2027 UEFA U21 EURO qualifying campaign, building on victory over Kazakhstan last month.

And the England boss highlighted the resistance and patience throughout the team.

“That’s our third game against another low block, similar to the other night, and we’ve got three points,” said Carsley.

“Ideally, we’d like to score more goals, but we have to give them credit. They made a lot of blocks.

“We’re getting to know the players and the confidence they need. The players over the two games have done really well.

“We’ve been fortunate to win the last two tournaments but getting out of the group is always a challenge and it’s something we don’t take for granted.

“There was a lot of positives tonight and the other night in Moldova. It’s not easy – Kazakhstan away and Moldova away with a young group that aren’t used to going away to play a lot of games like that and win.”

Josh King made his debut for the MU21s against Moldova before starting his first game against Andorra and the 18 year old received high praise on the back of his performances.

“I thought he was outstanding,” explained Carsley. “I’ve been so impressed with him. Not only at what he’s doing at his club but the way he conducts himself.

“You have to keep reminding yourself that he’s 18. He’s so talented and has so much potential. It's important we look after him.”

“It’s important that we send him back to his club in a good condition, that he doesn’t feel like he’s had too much travelling or too many minutes. It keeps him fresh.

"Some have come into the camp and have played a lot of minutes, so they need to be reduced. Obviously, it’s getting the balance, which is always key to making sure we qualify for a tournament and get them some minutes, but it’s that balance.”

Jobe Bellingham captained the side in both games – a 4-0 win over Moldova and a 1-0 triumph over Andorra – and Carsley is excited to see the 20 year old develop as a leader and a midfielder.

“I think he’s a good example for the rest of the group,” noted Carsley. “I think the way he carries himself on and off the pitch, the way he prepares and the influence he has on the rest of the team.

“I think he’ll be an all-round box-to-box midfielder. He can be creative; he can score goals. I feel he can score more goals.

“His shooting is excellent, especially in training. He can link. He can receive in tight areas. I see him being an all-round midfielder.”