SAINTS defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis has backed interim England boss Lee Carsley - and hopes to force his way into his team.

Carsley, 50, has been named interim head coach of the Three Lions ahead of their Nations League games against Republic of Ireland and Finland.

Harwood-Bellis, 22, captained Carsley's under-21s Young Lions and lifted the European Championships for England for the first time in nearly 40 years.

Carsley could become Gareth Southgate's permanent successor with the FA's recruitment process continuing throughout the autumn.

England hopeful Harwood-Bellis, asked about Carsley, told the Daily Echo: "He will be exactly the same as he has been.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis admires the Under-21 European Championship winner's medal with boss Lee Carsley in the backgroundTaylor Harwood-Bellis admires the Under-21 European Championship winner's medal with boss Lee Carsley in the background (Image: PA)  

"He's another one that just won't change. He's a great man in his principles and as a guy. I'm pretty sure the team will buy into him very quickly. 

"However long he's there in the job, I wish him all the very best and hopefully, I can work my way up into his team." 

Harwood-Bellis has featured 23 times for England's under-21s, winning the Euros in 2023, ahead of playing in the Premier League for the first time this summer.

England have six Nations League fixtures before the end of 2024, facing Republic of Ireland, Finland and Greece home and away over three international breaks.