England Coach: Kane to Start Against Ireland… He’s the Captain

Interim England coach Lee Carsley announced on Saturday that Harry Kane, the team captain who came off the bench in Thursday’s match against Greece, will start in their final UEFA Nations League group stage match against Ireland on Sunday.

Carsley, who will step down after the game to make way for new coach Thomas Tuchel in January, surprised many by leaving Kane out of the starting lineup during the 3-0 win over Greece. However, Kane is set to lead the team tomorrow.

“Yes, Harry Kane will definitely play tomorrow,” Carsley told reporters ahead of the match at Wembley Stadium. “When you have Kane, you always think about goals, but he offers so much more to the team. His leadership skills, his character—they’re just as important. He’s a role model for younger players, a vital part of England, and always focused on moving forward.”

England and Greece are tied on 12 points after five matches, but Carsley’s side leads on head-to-head goal difference. A victory over Ireland will secure promotion to League A.

Carsley’s stint as England coach will end where it began—against Ireland, a team for whom he earned 40 caps during his playing career. His short tenure with England is likely to be remembered for the number of young players he introduced, reflecting his experience as manager of the England Under-21 team.

Under Carsley, several players, including Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White, Noni Madueke, Curtis Jones, and Lewis Hall, made their England debuts. Defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis, yet to feature internationally, is also part of the squad.

“It’s challenging to break into a team of this quality,” Carsley said. “But these players have put themselves in contention. This is great long-term news for Thomas (Tuchel) as well. We’ve expanded the pool of players. Of course, there’s always a risk in introducing young talent, but I’ve seen them up close—they have the mentality to compete. Their challenge now is to remain part of the squad because competition for places is fierce.”

Should England fail to beat Ireland, they might face a playoff to secure promotion, depending on Greece’s result against Finland, who are already relegated with no points. Ireland, sitting third with six points, will play to avoid relegation to League C.