With England interim boss Lee Carsley taking over the reins from Gareth Southgate, it has been fascinating to see how he has deployed the Manchester City players in his squad.
In the Three Lions’ wins against the Republic of Ireland and Finland, Carsley showcased that he has ideas in place for how to deploy Rico Lewis and Jack Grealish in particular.
Against Finland, Lewis was deployed as a left-back — a position he has rarely played in for Manchester City.
The youngster was given the freedom to drift into central areas as well as take up wide zones in an unfamiliar left-back role.
Similarly, Grealish was deployed as an attacking midfielder in both of his starts during the previous international break — a role he has rarely ever played in during his time under Pep Guardiola’s regime.
The Manchester City attacker scored against the Republic of Ireland and against Finland as well, he was one of England’s brightest performers.
- READ MORE: Man City’s Jack Grealish speaks in glowing terms of Lee Carsley after Gareth Southgate snub
Where Carsley will play Man City player for England against Greece
As for John Stones, he started in his usual centre-back position against the Republic of Ireland.
However, Stones is set to captain England in their upcoming outing against Greece on Thursday night.
Considering Phil Foden was unavailable during the Three Lions’ previous camp, where Lee Carsley feels he fits into the side will be one of his biggest challenges.
Under Gareth Southgate, the £225,000-a-week man was played in a multitude of positions.
Jamie Carragher claimed Cole Palmer has usurped Foden as England’s best option to play in the number 10 role.
The 24-year-old will be eager to silence his detractors every time he plays for his country.
The Telegraph journalist Matt Law has revealed that Lee Carsley intends to start Foden in a deeper midfield position for England against Greece.
Carsley has given serious consideration to playing the six-time Premier League winner in a team that also features Palmer, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon — with Jude Bellingham playing as a false nine.
It is believed that Foden and Palmer could be tasked with roaming from deeper midfield areas, with Declan Rice patrolling the back four from defensive midfield.
Rio Ferdinand described Foden as “unreal” when he first witnessed him playing centrally during Manchester City’s 1-0 victory against Newcastle United last season.
Phil Foden could thrive in role Lee Carsley could hand him
The decorated technician has only played in a deeper midfield position once during England’s 5-0 hammering of Andorra in 2021.
Since then, Foden has either play in an advanced midfield position or out wide for his nation.
If Lee Carsley does deploy the Stockport-born attacker in a deeper role, he could thrive.
Foden has the expansive passing range and technical quality to dictate the game from deep and also help England push forward seamlessly.
Especially if Greece decide not to press high up the pitch, the Manchester City midfielder will have all the space and time in the world to dictate proceedings.
With there being heated competition for the number 10 role in the side, Foden could solidify his berth in the team if he shines as a number eight.
