Jude Bellingham & Jack Grealish aim veiled digs at Gareth Southgate as outgoing interim England boss Lee Carlsey is credited with bringing back 'smiles' & 'enjoyment'

Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham seemingly aimed digs at Gareth Southgate as they paid tribute to outgoing interim England boss Lee Carsley.

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• Grealish and Bellingham sent messages to Carsley
• Credited him for bringing back 'smiles' in dressing room
• Veiled dig at ex-boss

• Getty Images Sport
  

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Carsley stood on the sidelines one last time on Sunday as the Three Lions thrashed Ireland 5-0 in their final UEFA Nations League group stage clash. Harry Kane, Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis were on target as England finished at the top of their group.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After the game, stars Bellingham and Grealish took to social media to pay their tributes to outgoing boss Carsley. Both players praised the 50-year-old and credited him with bringing joy back to the dressing room. However, their messages also seemed to be veiled digs at former head coach Southgate.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  On his Instagram story, Grealish wrote, "What a guy & manager! Absolute legend and thank you for bringing back the enjoyment in England shirt."

  IG:@jackgrealish

  Bellingham wrote, "Huge thanks to Lee and his staff for their work in these last few camps. Got my smile back in an England shirt, very grateful!"

  IG:@judebellingham

• WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel will formally take charge of the team on January 1, 2025. However, his first game in charge of the Three Lions will be in March.