Carsley is an amazing guy, says long-time friend

A long time friend of interim England men's manager Lee Carsley has described him as an "amazing guy".

Carsley, 50, grew up in Sheldon, Birmingham, and went to school in Yardley. He previously played for clubs including Everton, Birmingham City and Coventry City.

Carl Baker played with Carsley at Coventry, and is still close friends with him.

"He’s really dry and witty, and every player who plays under him, or with him, or comes across him, absolutely loves him," Mr Baker said.

"When you watch him on the games he looks quite miserable... but he’s the exact opposite."

"He’s one of the funniest guys I’ve ever come across.

"He is probably in the top three people who I absolutely love in football, he’s such an amazing guy."

Carsley stepped into former England manager Gareth Southgate's shoes in August, moving up from his role as manager of England’s Under-21s.

England have won their first two games with him in charge, against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

"I’m 100% confident that the players there will absolutely love him, and love playing under him, just because of the kind of person he is," said Mr Baker.

Carsley, who also played for Ireland, has attracted criticism from some media outlets, after not singing the national anthem before either match.

The former Everton midfielder said he did not sing the Irish national anthem as a player, or the British national anthem when he was in charge of England U21s, because he was focused on the match ahead.

Mr Baker said even when asked to sing an initiation song when he signed for Coventry, Carsley refused to sing.

"He’s the only person out of everyone I’ve ever come across… who didn’t sing."

"He just must not like singing," he laughed.

"He won't change for anyone."

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