Morgan Gibbs-White has explained how England interim head coach Lee Carsley has become ‘more serious’ since his promotion from the Under-21s.
Carsley took charge of the senior national team for the first time on Saturday as England got their UEFA Nations League campaign off to a winning start with a 2-0 triumph over the Republic of Ireland.
One of Carsley’s first tasks as senior boss was to hand Gibbs-White his England debut, Gibbs-White coming on as a second half substitute.
Carsley and Gibbs-White worked together at Under-21 level and the midfielder said: ‘I’d say 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 and fair play to him, that shows he wants to stay.
‘Hopefully we can keep playing the way we’re playing, keep believing in his idea and strive forward.
Morgan Gibbs-White says England interim head coach Lee Carsley has become ‘more serious’
Gibbs-White, who played under Carsley at Under-21 level, was given his senior England debut
‘He’s a very hands on manager on and off the pitch. I believe that shows he believes in his own ideas and us seeing that makes us believe in him. It’s obviously a good thing when you’re hearing it directly from the manager on and off-the-pitch.
‘I think the boys are really buying into him, really enjoying the time now and hopefully it can stay that way.’
Gibbs-White admitted that making his England debut felt much better than he expected
On his debut, Gibbs-White added: ‘It feels much, much better than I expected. The boys have been absolutely class with me, made me feel really welcome.
‘I can’t find words to describe. Ask me in a week and I will probably be able to tell you but I can’t really describe the feeling.
‘I’m over the moon, especially as the boys got the three points as well which is what we’re striving for.’