Lee Carsley expecting hostile reception for Declan Rice, Jack Grealish - and himself
Maynooth, Kildare House During By A Lee Press England At Carsley The Mccarthy/sportsfile Photo Interim In Conference Manager Stephen Carton
Lee Carsley says he expects a similar reception from Irish fans to Jack Grealish and Declan Rice when he leads England out against the nation he represented.
Although he was heavily linked with the Ireland vacancy, the 50-year-old opted to stay inside the English FA system and was promoted from his Euro U21s champions to the seniors on a caretaker basis when Gareth Southgate quit in June.
He and his squad flew into Ireland on Friday for the Uefa Nations League opener and had throngs of young fans awaiting their arrival at their Carton House base in Co Kildare.
Grealish and Rice didn’t replicate some of their teammates by answering requests for autographs and they’re sure to feel the ire of the Irish faithful on Saturday after switching allegiance.
Stressing he’s no concerns about the pair’s ability to withstand the stick, he put himself in the same bracket as someone now switched behind enemy lines.
“We spoke not only about Jack and Declan, but to the whole squad, we spoke about the atmosphere,” he said.
“Proud… It’s not something that I’m overawed by”
— Brendan O'Brien (@byBrendanOBrien) September 6, 2024
England boss Lee Carsley on…
- how he will feel managing against Ireland
- the well-wishes from his old Irish teammates
- and the highlight from his 39 Irish caps
@ExaminerSport pic.twitter.com/Q7AxEkPxar
“We expect it to be exciting, passionate and loud. But it will be no different to what the players are used to in Premier League games or high-level games, so I think they will be ready for whatever comes out.
“I’m not sure, to be honest (about himself), it will probably be the same. But if the reception that we had off the kids outside was anything to go by, it will be very positive.” A number of his teammates from his Ireland stint between 1997 and 2002 – including Robbie Keane - have been in contact with Carsley since his elevation last month.
“I’ve heard from a lot of them,” he said with a giggle.
“They’ve been really supportive, really proud of the position I’ve got to.
“I’ll feel proud. It wasn’t something I’d thought about too much until recently. When I saw the draw, I was fully focussed on the Under-21s and I thought it would be a good game. I didn’t realise until two weeks that I’d be actually here.
"I’m excited about it, not overawed by. I’ve a lot of confidence in the players. They’ll enjoy the atmosphere, it’s a good game to come back to after the disappointment of the Euro finals."