Can England Play Like Manchester City? Rico Lewis Thinks So
Rico Lewis, a talented teenager from Manchester City’s academy, believes that England has the potential to play like the Premier League champions. New interim manager Lee Carsley has expressed his desire for the Three Lions to adopt an attacking and expansive style of football, a departure from their previous approach under Gareth Southgate. Lewis, who has been called up to the England squad, is optimistic about the team’s ability to deliver “fantasy football” similar to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Lewis, who is just 19 years old, acknowledges his bias as a City player but strongly believes that their style of play is the best way to approach the game. He is confident that England possesses the quality of players necessary to implement this style successfully. Despite the limited time the team spends together, Lewis points out that many of the players are part of top clubs who prioritize dominating games. He feels that the intention to dominate and play exciting football is shared among the England squad.
The young talent also sheds light on Lee Carsley’s first team meeting, where the new manager introduced himself to the players and emphasized the importance of getting the best out of each individual. Lewis, who previously played under Carsley for the Under-21s, attests to the manager’s desire to control games and win in an exciting manner. He expresses confidence that the team will quickly adapt to Carsley’s style, acknowledging the transition from Southgate’s long tenure as a natural part of the process.
England’s upcoming fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland provide an opportunity to put their new approach into practice. Lewis reveals that he was delighted with England’s success in reaching the Euro 2024 final as it increased his chances of starting the season for Manchester City. With players like Kyle Walker and John Stones joining the squad late due to their involvement in the Euros, Lewis has been able to showcase his abilities at right-back in the Premier League.
Interestingly, Lewis has also been honing his fitness during the summer by training with his father, Rick, a two-time Muay Thai boxing champion. He believes that the skills he has acquired from kickboxing can be implemented in football, showcasing the benefits of cross-training and unconventional approaches to fitness.
As the Premier League resumes after the international break, fans will be eager to see if England can indeed adopt a playing style similar to Manchester City’s. With a talented squad and a new manager at the helm, the future of England’s football seems promising. Only time will tell if they can successfully emulate the success and style of their Premier League counterparts.
In conclusion, Rico Lewis’s belief that England can play like Manchester City adds an exciting dimension to the national team’s future. With a focus on attacking and expansive football, England aims to dominate games and provide an exciting spectacle for fans. The upcoming fixtures will serve as a test for Lee Carsley’s vision, and fans will be eager to see if England can successfully implement their new style of play.