England's next big name identified as Lee Carsley hands over reins to Thomas Tuchel

It was short, ultimately sweet and certainly not without incident, but the Lee Carsley England 'era' is now officially over with the interim boss having returned the Three Lions to the top tier of the Nations League - where it was frankly ridiculous that they weren't already, in truth.

Carsley's understated style may have been slightly unusual at times, but one thing England fans can't deny is that the temporary tactician has introduced some talented tyros during his time in charge, with no fewer than eight debuts granted and players coming in from the fringes to star.

But as Carsley hands over to Thomas Tuchel, which players who shone under his stewardship will be key for the new boss in qualification for the 2026 World Cup and the tournament itself? We asked the Mirror Football team to make their picks:

Jeremy Cross - Lewis Hall

He arrived late to the time Lee Carsley spent in caretaker charge, but Lewis Hall showed what a huge future he can have at the highest level.

Hall was handed his debut as a second half substitute in last week's win in Greece, before making his full debut as England trounced Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday. The left back position has been a troubling one for the Three Lions in recent times.

Luke Shaw would be the permanent incumbent, if he could remain fit. But he can't. Shaw is no longer the future in this position - and Hall is.

The Newcastle full back made the most of his chance to impress. He has pace, composure, good positioning and is keen to attack. He also has the advantage of being known to Thomas Tuchel, who gave Hall his Chelsea debut. If he can continue to mature and keep his feet on the ground, the 20-year-old has a long international career ahead of him.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

Daniel Orme - Morgan Rogers

Morgan Rogers’ rise over the past 18 months has been nothing short of meteoric and the Aston Villa star is showing no signs of slowing down. Having made his England debut during the latest international break, he will be confident of earning his first start for the Three Lions should he continue his hot form.

His versatility - capable of playing on both flanks and centrally - appealed to Carsley both with the under-21s and with the seniors, and that aspect should see him establish himself under Tuchel.

Rogers of course faces severe competition for a starting berth on the wings from the likes of Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Noni Madueke and more, there is no reason why he shouldn’t claim a role for his own should he continue his excellent form. With Rogers set to be in action in both the Premier League and Champions League over the coming months, he has the perfect stage to impress Tuchel before the next international break in March.

Image: The FA via Getty Images) The FA via Getty Images)

John Cross - Lewis Hall and Curtis Jones

Maybe we might get the best of both worlds. Lee Carsley promoted youngsters that Thomas Tuchel might not otherwise have tried. But now Tuchel has the nous and experience to turn the youth into proven winners.

There’s two players - sorry, I know the idea was to pick one - that have really stood out from this camp. Lewis Hall and Curtis Jones. If I’m really pushing it then I’d say Noni Madueke but I can’t see him displacing Bukayo Saka.

Hall makes me think of a young Ashley Cole. Quick, tenacious and learnt his trade in another position (Cole winger, Hall midfield) which perhaps gives him a better appreciation of his all-round game. England have such a left back issue - and Tuchel knows Hall from Chelsea. Hall can make the position his own.

Then there’s Jones. The reason I like Jones is that if England are to play a 4-2-3-1 then Jones can be the player alongside Declan Rice at the base of midfield. His movement, his energy and running is the perfect dovetail that England have been missing.

Felix Keith - Lewis Hall

It’s been a very positive period for England post-Euro 2024 final disappointment – and Lee Carsley deserves a lot of credit for that. There was a lot of anger over player withdrawals, but with the benefit of hindsight after two wins, it actually proved beneficial.

There have been lots of stand-out performers, but I find it hard to see Noni Madueke taking Bukayo Saka’s place, or Anthony Gordon displacing Cole Palmer. Curtis Jones has a good stance of establishing himself in midfield at the expense of Kobbie Mainoo if his fantastic Liverpool form continues.

But it is at left-back where there’s really a place up for grabs. It’s been a long-term problem position for England, with Gareth Southgate fielding Kieran Trippier out of position for much of Euro 2024 before Luke Shaw returned for the latter stages. Trippier has retired from international football and Shaw has huge fitness issues.

Rico Lewis started three of Carsley’s six games in charge at left-back, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Levi Colwill also got a game. Yet it is Lewis Hall who I think could become Tuchel’s favourite for the role – the Newcastle star is left-footed, unlike Lewis, is enterprising going forward and has a very high ceiling. Tuchel gave Hall his Chelsea debut and his move to Newcastle will allow him plenty of opportunities to continue his development.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

Scott Trotter - Lewis Hall

Lee Carsley put his own stamp on England in his short spell with the side. After awarding eight debuts over his six matches in charge and providing greater opportunities for others, the Three Lions have learned something about their depth, even when nine players pull out with injuries.

Thomas Tuchel will put his own stamp on the team too, and with just an 18-month contract will be in search of immediate success. The German has built a reputation for relying on players who can deliver for him and thus who will continue to establish themselves as key is difficult to assess. Lewis Hall could provide an answer to a problem however.

The Newcastle left-back could provide a natural option on England's left side where they have been forced to be without Luke Shaw due to injury, and have utilised players out of position instead.

It is not to say the 20-year-old will be a guaranteed starter but, having been handed his Chelsea debut by Tuchel, he offers a familiar option and crucially, versatility. The youngster came through the Blues academy in midfield and has started in a back three for the German coach before earning most of his Premier League experience on the left flank. And he's quite good too.

Andy Dunn - Anthony Gordon

First things first, do not forget this was the second tier of the Nations League. Lee Carsley’s kids were good but the opposition was limited, to say the least, so let’s not get carried away by the performances and promise of his eight debutants. And also remember that Thomas Tuchel is not bothered about development - he’s got one hit and then it will be off to another elite club.

If more than a couple of the under-21 graduates who were blooded by Carsley even make it into the World Cup squad, it would be a mild surprise. The most likely to have caught his eye are Curtis Jones and Noni Madueke, the former for his calmness, the latter for his explosiveness.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

But while Carsley did not give him his debut, the young player who has surely made himself a shoo-in under Tuchel is Anthony Gordon. Direct, dangerous and supremely self-confident, the 23-year-old started five of Carsley’s six games and gave the side balance. Throw in the fact that when he was Chelsea manager, Tuchel was desperate to sign Gordon and you can see why the Newcastle United winger is a certainty for World Cup 2026.

David Anderson - Curtis Jones

Curtis Jones is finally ready to blossom for England and Liverpool.

Jones has set himself the challenge of holding down a regular place at Liverpool and England are benefitting from his step up in class. His debut goal against Greece was sumptuous and his performances against them and the Republic of Ireland show he is full of confidence.

He’s 23 and he has the drive to be a star performer for club and country - and that can only be good news for Thomas Tuchel as assesses what he has been left by Lee Carsley.

Jones wants that responsibility of being a main man and becoming a dad last month has only increased that feeling for him. He wants to make Liverpool’s No 10 role his own in what is shaping up to be a big season for the Reds under Arne Slot and he also has the temperament, hunger and ability to be a big player for England.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

Neil Moxley - Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento

Tricky to answer, this one, because I think a few are capable of kicking on. A lot will depend on how much game time they receive with their respective clubs.

Lee Carsley has always liked Noni Madueke, he played the winger regularly before his move to Chelsea. Despite the competition, he’s got a chance, as has Morgan Gibbs-White who is progressing at Nottingham Forest. Morgan Rogers is a powerful runner with the ball at his feet and will benefit from Champions League exposure with Villa. But - and I’m looking at where there might be opportunities - the right and left-back slots could be up for grabs.

Somehow England have gone from having an embarrassing array of talent at left-back to almost none. I saw Lewis Hall play for Newcastle against Nottingham Forest. He’s tidy and will improve. Kyle Walker can’t go on forever at right back and Tino Livramento is a wonderful athlete. Can he keep himself fit?

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