The game changed in the 53rd minute through the brilliance of Harry Kane, who faced potentially bad criticism after being sent off for Ollie Watkins in the 3-0 win in Athens and another sluggish first-half performance.

England’s 31-year-old captain looked heavy-legged and off pace in a dreadful first half from both ends, but showed the persistent quality that makes him invaluable by displaying striking vision and range to pass balls from the left touchline. He slotted past Jude Bellingham with a superb right foot strike.

Bellingham was brought down by Irish defender Liam Scales, who received a second yellow card. Kane scored his 69th goal for his country from the penalty spot and the match ended.

Kane became a central figure during Carsley’s time in charge; especially with his public and unusually outspoken swipe at the England players who dropped out of the squad for these two internationals.

He then doubled down on his message, insisting that former manager Gareth Southgate was jeopardizing the culture he had built during his eight-year tenure in which it became a pleasure to play for the country again.

Kane spoke as England’s captain, senior figure and statesman, but that did not stop Carsley from flexing his judgment and choosing Watkins over the country’s record goalscorer in Athens.

It was a choice that was rewarded with an early goal from the Aston Villa striker, turning a potentially dangerous mission into an easy one.

Kane is still England’s first choice, but Carsley’s willingness to use Watkins and the success of the move prove he does not have to be the only option.

Tuchel will reap the benefits of Carsley’s temporary spell, aided by his commitment to promoting youth, further paving the way from under-21s to senior level and his insider knowledge of talent coming through the England system.

In total, Carsley made debuts for 32 players: Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Lewis Hall, Harwood-Bellis, Curtis Jones, Tino Livramento, Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers.

Everyone can happily contribute, especially Liverpool midfielder Jones, who has shown class in his first two games and Chelsea striker Madueke looks like a constant threat.

Gomes has made an impression as a midfield option, Gibbs-White has shown he can be creative and there is a huge opportunity for Newcastle’s Hall at left-back where Tuchel looks short on options.

The 19-year-old duo of Rico Lewis and Kobbie Mainoo, from Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, have also added to their England experience and this will be a positive development in Carsley’s handover.