Interim England manager Lee Carsley has announced his squad for upcoming Nations League clashes with the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
The upcoming fixtures are likely to serve as an audition for Carsley to showcase why he should become the Three Lions boss on a permanent basis after Gareth Southgate stood down from the position following the conclusion of Euro 2024.
The 50-year-old has wasted no time in stamping his authority on the squad by making several bold decisions, which includes recalling Manchester City star Jack Grealish and handing out several debuts.
Carsley has decided to put his faith in players who he has worked with at Under-21 level, with Newcastle defender Tino Livramento replacing teammate Kieran Trippier in defence after he announced his international retirement earlier on Thursday.
Chelsea star Levi Colwill, City’s Rico Lewis and Manchester United star Harry Maguire all return to the squad, with Brighton’s Lewis Dunk, Liverpool’s Joe Gomez and City’s Kyle Walker all dropping out of the squad.
Carsley has also raised eyebrows with his selections in midfield, bringing in Lille playmaker Angel Gomes and Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White to work with stalwarts like Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo. Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton misses out.
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope
Defence: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Rico Lewis, Tino Livramento, Harry Maguire, John Stones
Midfield: Phil Foden, Conor Gallagher, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins
