Morgan Gibbs-White previously played under Lee Carsley for England’s U21 team.
Morgan Gibbs-White believes Lee Carsley has adopted a more serious approach since taking over as the head coach of the senior England team. The Nottingham Forest midfielder, who won the Under-21 World Cup under Carsley’s leadership, sees a change in the manager’s demeanor now that he is in charge of the senior squad.
Gibbs-White had to be patient for his first senior cap, which he earned from the bench in England’s match against Ireland on Saturday. The 24-year-old is hopeful that Carsley will be given the permanent managerial role, praising his philosophy of free-flowing, attacking football.
“I think the boys really bought into his ideas in such a short period of time, and it showed with how good we were in that first half. We were really clinical,” Gibbs-White said.
“He’s a bit more serious now, which is a good thing. He’s stepped up a role, and I feel like he’s taking everything as seriously as he can. Fair play to him; that shows he wants to stay. Hopefully, we can keep playing the way we’re playing, keep believing in his ideas, and move forward.”
Gibbs-White also highlighted Carsley’s hands-on approach, both on and off the pitch. “He believes in his own ideas, and us seeing that makes us believe in him. I think the boys are really buying into him, really enjoying the time now, and hopefully, it can stay that way.”
England dominated Ireland in the first half at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, leading 2-0 at the break. Gibbs-White believes that England should carry that confidence into matches against tougher opponents.
“We shouldn’t fear anyone; they should fear us. It’s exciting football. We’ve been working on that all week,” he added.
“It’s been a short period we’ve had together as a group under this manager, but I think he’s instilled his philosophy really well. Seeing the way the boys were playing in the first half — tiki-taka football with the second goal — it’s just so exciting, enjoyable to watch, and hopefully everyone back home was enjoying it as much as I was on the bench.”
“Obviously, there are things we can improve on moving forward, but it’s a good stepping stone.”