Harry Kane: England captain more motivated than ever after Euro 2024 pain

Carsley has been given two games as caretaker manager but could be given more as the Football Association search for a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate.

Southgate resigned two days after the defeat against Spain.

A win over Ireland followed by a victory over Finland, also in the Nations League, at Wembley on Tuesday, could help Carsley’s case for the permanent job.

England’s next manager is not only expected to lead the team to the 2026 World Cup, but also to win it.

Carsley insisted he did not want to take over a team that lacked confidence.

“I don’t see this as a fresh start at all,” he said. “I believe we are in a strong position. They (England) were in a low position when Gareth Southgate took over. It’s completely different now.

“The standards are so high. Hopefully they can go one step further (to win something). That final push is the hardest part.”

Carsley will be playing against the national team he represented 40 times as a player. When asked by reporters if he would sing the anthem, he said he would not – but added that it had nothing to do with playing against the Irish.

“The national anthems are obviously an important part of the sport, especially at international matches, and something I have a lot of respect for,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I’ve never sung the national anthem for Ireland, just like I wouldn’t sing it for England. That’s just my own personal preparation for the match. I’m completely focused on the match.

“When I played for Ireland I always struggled with the wait between warming up, going back to the dressing room, walking down the tunnel and waiting for the anthems to be played, because normally in the Premier League it goes quite quickly.

“It’s been no different since I started coaching England Under-21s. I’m really in that zone and preparing for the game.”