Rico Lewis has backed Lee Carsley to deliver the attacking style of football England supporters crave.
The Manchester City youngster has been named in interim boss Carsley’s first squad for the Nations League meetings with Ireland and Finland as England build towards the 2026 World Cup.
Asked what supporters could expect from Carsley’s side, Lewis said: ‘To dominate pretty much every game we play. That is the intention, to dominate and control the whole game and with that comes a lot of exciting work.
‘I am biased because I play for City but I think the way we play is the best way. It’s definitely possible to do that with England because of the quality of players we have.
‘Lee Carsley wants to bring out the best in everyone and I think playing like that is the best way to do itIt’s difficult to get the concepts straight away but the more you do it in games the quicker you make progress. Everyone wants to win and that is our intention here.
Lee Carsley took his first training session as interim England manager on Wednesday
Manchester City’s Rico Lewis is feeling positive about working with ex-midfielder Carsley
Lewis pictured (left) training alongside Conor Gallagher (centre) and Ezri Konsa (right)
Versatile Lewis – who can play in defence or midfield, pictured with club boss Pep Guardiola
‘Lee said the coaches are here to get the best out of every player. He was emphasising that while there is a lot of pressure on the players, the coaches need to put pressure on themselves to get the best out of us.’
Lewis’ father Rick is a former Thai boxing champion and the 19-year-old revealed he uses the sport to improve his fitness. Lewis has made an excellent start to the campaign and will be seeking to cement his senior international spot with several players absent.
He added: ‘A lot of the actions you do in Thai boxing, there is a lot of balance, a lot of agility and I think that definitely helps me. You can take the discipline into everyday life.’
