Carsley: 'I really like watching this team'

England men’s under-21s head coach Lee Carsley was pleased with how his players reacted after running out 4-2 winners over Kazakhstan.

The Young Lions went a goal down in the first half but fought back to make it seven wins in eight in their UEFA U21 EURO 2027 qualifying campaign.

And the MU21s boss offered his assessment of the performance in Wolverhampton.

“I think we grew as the game went on,” he reflected. “I really like watching this team play. We’re an attacking team; we’re an exciting team.

“We’ve got some outstanding players and they’ve showed a bit of spirit, as well, tonight so we need to build on that.

“We have to accept that we’re going to concede chances. We can definitely work on that within our training.”

And Carsley was full of praise for the Young Lions’ Player of the Match connected by EE, Jobe Bellingham.

“I thought he was outstanding,” said Carsley. “The way he’s trained all week – the training quality from the whole group has been very high.

“I went to watch Jobe a couple of weeks ago out in Dortmund and he’s progressing so quickly. He’s really moving in the right direction. We’re lucky to have him. He’s a really important player for us.”

Carsley also explained how the new addition to his backroom staff Conor Coady – returning to his old stomping ground, having spent eight years at Molineux – has settled into life in his new role.

“He’s a great guy,” continued Carsley. “He’s good around the players. He’s an excellent example.

“It’s always important that we have someone on the staff that understand what it’s like to play at Wembley for England and be around squads.

“He’s had a really good week. He’s a brilliant addition. We’re really pleased with him.”

And England now have the chance to seal their place at next year’s tournament in their next fixture against Slovakia on Friday 2 October in Stoke.

“We’ve got to go for it,” explained Carsley. “We’ve got to go for every game that we play in every situation.”