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Interim boss Lee Carsley signed off in style as England capitalised on Liam Scales’ sending off in a 5-0 thrashing of the Republic of Ireland that sealed promotion back to the Nations League top tier.
The 17th and final fixture of a year that saw the national team reach another European Championship final marked the end of the Under-21s coach’s six-game stint as Gareth Southgate’s stand-in.
Thomas Tuchel begins his quest to win the 2026 World Cup in the new year and takes over on the back of Nations League elevation after Carsley oversaw a comfortable win against the country he represented as a player.
Mail Sport’s Sami Mokbel has assessed five things we learned from England’s Wembley defeat.
Interim manager Lee Carsley signed off in style as England beat Republic of Ireland
Five former Blues on show
Big day for Chelsea here at Wembley on Sunday. Well sort of.
No less than four graduates from their Cobham academy were named in the starting XI against the Republic of Ireland: Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall, Marc Guehi and Lewis Hall all came through the youth system at Stamford Bridge.
Dominic Solanke, who was named on the bench, another product of Chelsea’s youth system. All five have departed the west London club for pastures new. What might have been?
Bellingham needs to be careful
Jude Bellingham was booked again for dissent here at Wembley. Having seen yellow in Athens for backchat, he was dished out the same punishment here by referee Erik Lambrechts for the same offence. Bellingham is a superstar – but he needs to temper his urges to react. It will cost England dear one day.
Newcastle stars shine
For many, Eddie Howe was the natural successor to Gareth Southgate’s vacated position as England head coach.
Howe, as we now know, stayed at Newcastle as the Football Association appointed Thomas Tuchel.
Yet it is testament to Howe’s excellent work at St James’ Park that three of his players were named in Lee Carsley’s team last night: Livramento, Hall and Anthony Gordon.
Not the Geordie takeover many were expecting, perhaps. The last time three Newcastle players started for England was in 1997 when Rob Lee, Alan Shearer and David Batty played against Georgia in a 2-0 win.
Anthony Gordon was one of three Newcastle players named in the England starting XI
Jones has stated his case
When Lee Carsley finally meets Tuchel, you’d imagine he’ll amplify the contribution of Curtis Jones in these November fixtures.
The Liverpool midfielder looks every inch an international player. Poise, technique, athleticism and acumen.
It’s a compelling combination. Kobbie Mainoo, who missed this camp through injury, is current owner of the shirt next to first-choice midfielder Declan Rice. The Manchester United star may have some competition.
A special goal for Gallagher
Conor Gallagher will hold England’s third goal close to his heart. Not just because it was his first senior international goal – but because it was Marc Guehi who assisted it.
Off the pitch, the pair are the closest of mates having grown up up together in Chelsea’s youth system.
