Joleon Lescott clarifies England future after following Lee Carsley to senior team

Joleon Lescott was part of Lee Carsley's team as the England interim boss presided over the Three Lions' Nations League success and has detailed if he will go back down to the under-21s

Joleon Lescott says he is unlikely to return to England under-21s after his successful interim spell with the senior team under Lee Carsley.

Carsley will step back down to become under-21 boss after leading England to success in the Nations League in readiness for Thomas Tuchel’s arrival in January. Lescott does not expect to follow Carsley and says he is looking forward to enjoying some family time and punditry.

“I haven’t planned to go back with Lee,” said the former Manchester City two-time title winner after taking part in the Pro-Am Padel Tour in Manchester. “Lee joins back with the 21s. I don’t know what I’ll do. I’ll have a sensible few weeks, a bit of punditry, enjoyment, family time.

"So a variety of different things and that’s how I get the best out of myself. There are going to be conversations between me and Lee and the staff.

“We’ve still got a bit of work to do in regards to reviewing the camps and gathering as much information as we can for Thomas and his team. But England was a great experience.”

Lescott feels Carsley and his team did everything required of them and they won their group to clinch promotion back to the Nations League’s top tier, as well as blooding eight debutants. “It all went well,” he said.

“The feel-good factor was there. The players seemed to enjoy it, we’ve received loads of positive feedback from them. It was only the one defeat, so the games went well. It’s not necessarily super hard to be encouraged by the players’ abilities and enjoy it because you see them day in day out.”

Lescott also shot down talk Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer cannot play in the same England team. Critics claim it is easier when one is injured to let the others shine in the No 10 role.

“I’m sure they can play in the same team,” said Lescott. “It’s easy to say that when you sit here looking back in hindsight, but you want all your best players available.

“I’m sure Thomas will want to have that headache every time. That’s the job of the manager to decide on what formation, and it will vary.

“It’s not going to be one size fits all and beats every team. It’s going to be a case of who’s the opponent and which players are injured or in form. I’m sure there will be strong selection process and it will take care of itself.”

*CUPRA is the proud sponsor of the Pro-Am Padel Tour 2024. For more information visit www.cupraofficial.co.uk

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