Watkins start for England in Greece was ´no slight on Kane´ – Carsley

Outgoing England interim manager Lee Carsley says his decision to start Ollie Watkins over Harry Kane against Greece was ‘no slight’ on his captain.

The Three Lions had suffered nine withdrawals from their initial squad announced last week, although Kane remained available for selection and came on for Watkins in the 66th minute.

But Carsley’s decision paid off, with Watkins putting England ahead after just seven minutes, with his fifth international goal setting them on the way to a 3-0 win in Athens, with an own goal and Curtis Jones rounded off the scoring.

“It was brilliant for Ollie to get a goal,” Carsley said. “It’s important that I think if we are going to put these players in a position where we are going to go and win the World Cup, then these players need to have as many experiences as they can.

“So, it was no slight on Harry. He’ll start the next game and I think there are a lot of positives to take from that performance.”

When asked how the England captain reacted to not being named in the starting XI, Carsley explained that Kane had no issues with it.

“He was absolutely fine. It would be fair to say he wants to play every game, like all top players do,” he said.

“I think he understands that it’s important that other players experience that kind of experience that we had tonight.

“He’s a great example to the rest of the players and I expect him to start on Sunday and play well.”

Superb performance. Superb result. pic.twitter.com/uuWB8TBsee

— England (@England) November 14, 2024

The decision to start Watkins over Kane came alongside other selection decisions, as Rico Lewis, Noni Madueke, Jones, Lewis Hall and Morgan Rogers all featured for a youthful England side, with the latter three making their senior debuts.

Despite Carsley’s roots as England Under-21 coach, he assured the post-match media that there was no nepotism on his part to include the more inexperienced players.

“No, none at all, to be fair,” the interim boss said. “None at all.

“I see the quality that the players have got. You’re now seeing it in terms of the younger ones, that they’re more than capable with the mentality and quality they’ve got to play in stages like tonight.

“I thought a lot of the players, especially the younger ones – well, all of the players, to be fair – played with such quality tonight.