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The game was changed in the 53rd minute by a flash of genius from Harry Kane, back after being left out in favour of Ollie Watkins for the 3-0 win in Athens and facing some potentially unflattering reviews after another sluggish first-half performance.<\/p>\n
England’s 31-year-old captain looked heavy-legged and off the pace in a dreadful first half from both sides, but showed the enduring quality that makes him invaluable when he showed stunning vision and range of passing from the left-hand touchline to pick out Jude Bellingham in the area with a perfect right-foot delivery.<\/p>\n
Bellingham was floored by Ireland defender Liam Scales, who received a second yellow card. Kane scored his 69th goal for his country from the spot and it was game over.<\/p>\n
Kane has been a central figure to Carsley’s reign in charge, not least with his public and uncharacteristically outspoken slap-down of those England players who withdrew from the squad for these two internationals.<\/p>\n
He then doubled down on his message as he insisted it endangered the culture former manager Gareth Southgate had built up during his eights years in charge, when it became a pleasure to play for the country again.<\/p>\n
Kane was speaking as England’s skipper, senior figure and statesman, but it did not stop Carsley showing his own decision-making strength, choosing Watkins ahead of the country’s record goalscorer in Athens. <\/p>\n
It was a pick well rewarded with an early goal from Aston Villa’s striker that turned a potentially hazardous task into an easy one.<\/p>\n
Kane is still England’s first choice, but Carsley’s willingness to use Watkins, and the success of the move, proved he does not have to be the only choice.<\/p>\n
Tuchel will feel the benefit of Carsley’s temporary spell because of his determination to introduce youth, further opening the pathway from under-21s to senior level, and all helped by his insider knowledge of the talent coming through the England system.<\/p>\n
Carsley used 32 players overall, giving a debut to eight \u2013 Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Lewis Hall, Harwood-Bellis, Curtis Jones, Tino Livramento, Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers.<\/p>\n
They can all reflect on their contributions with satisfaction, especially Liverpool midfielder Jones, who has looked a class act in his two starts, while Chelsea forward Madueke has looked a constant threat. <\/p>\n
Gomes made an impression as a midfield option, Gibbs-White showed he can be a creator while there is a big opportunity for Newcastle’s Hall at left-back, where Tuchel’s options look short.<\/p>\n
The 19-year-old pair Rico Lewis and Kobbie Mainoo, from Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, also added to their England experiences, which will be in the positive ledge of Carsley’s handover.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n