Lee Carsley reveals Thomas Tuchel text message after naming final England squad
Thomes Tuchel was unveiled as England boss last month but the FA announced he would not be taking over until January 1, with Carsley allowed to continue in the role until after the Nations League campaign
by Oli Gamp · The MirrorEngland interim boss Lee Carsley has revealed he texted Thomas Tuchel to congratulate him on being appointed Three Lions boss - and insisted the German has had no influence on his final squad selection.
Carsley has named his squad for upcoming Nations League games against Greece and Republic of Ireland, with England looking to finish top of their group and win promotion back to League A.
Tuchel was unveiled as the full-time successor to Gareth Southgate last month but the FA announced he would not be taking over until January 1, with Carsley allowed to continue in the role until after the Nations League group stage campaign was finished.
Despite criticism over Tuchel's delayed start, and speculation that he might be attempting to influence who plays in Carsley's team before he officially takes over, the former Everton midfielder dispelled those rumours.
"He hasn't had any influence on the squad selection," he said. "I congratulated him via text. He is highly respectful of the job I am doing. I see this as a massive privilege, the trust the FA have placed in me and my team."
Carsley added that he thought Tuchel was an excellent appointment - saying he was happy England went with someone who had a "proven track record" - but added that his primary concern has been on preparing for the upcoming matches.
"My focus has always been on the games," he said. "I've been respected and left to get on with the job. I'm really comfortable in the position.
"I think it's a really good appointment. We talked about getting a coach with a proven track record and Thomas has that. I'm looking forward to watching him work and handing over a strong group of players with potential to win a major tournament to him."
Carsley's squad included three uncapped players as he called up Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall and Southampton defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who have both featured under him for the Under-21s, as well as Curtis Jones.
Jack Grealish, John Stones and Kobbie Mainoo are all out after struggling with injuries - but he opted to pick Declan Rice despite the Arsenal man breaking his toe.
England play Greece next Thursday knowing they must avoid defeat in order to keep their chances of automatic promotion alive, before a must-win home game against Ireland on November 17.
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