Lee Carsley’s last England squad as interim manager was devastated on Monday, with eight players missing due to injury.
Key stars Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Aaron Ramsdale and Declan Rice have all returned to the squad and will not feature for the games against Greece and Ireland.
As a result, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers received his first call-up, along with Jarrod Bowen, Jarrad Branthwaite, Tino Livramento and James Trafford. That means Carsley’s lineup could have a new feel in Athens on Thursday. that.
With England’s hopes of automatic promotion to Nations League A and the chance to impress incoming manager Thomas Tuchel at stake, we predict which XI Carsley will select.
no way #three lions Squad update from St George’s Park 👇
— England (@England) November 11, 2024
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Despite a shaky performance in the 1-0 loss to Greece at Wembley, Jordan Pickford should retain his number one spot ahead of the inexperienced Dean Henderson and James Trafford.
Right back: Kyle Walker
Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence has led to Kyle Walker’s return to the side, who is likely to slot Libramento in the right-back spot for the crunch clash.
Centre-back: Ezri Konsa
With John Stones left out of the original starting XI through injury, Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa will be given the chance to impress in his natural position for the Three Lions.
Centre-back: Marc Guehi
Marc Guehi has suddenly become one of the more experienced members of the backline and looks likely to start at centre-back.
Left back: Rico Lewis
Despite natural left-back Lewis Hall’s first call-up, versatile youngster Rico Lewis appears to be the best option to start at left-back.
Efforts continue 💯 pic.twitter.com/P5QyDvlGJN
— England (@England) November 12, 2024
Central midfielder: Conor Gallagher
With normally deep-lying midfielder Rice withdrawn, Conor Gallagher appears ready to join after a positive start at Atletico Madrid.
Central midfielder: Angel Gomes
Curtis Jones has been one of the Premier League’s star midfielders this season, but after his positive performances for the Three Lions last month, Carsley look set to continue the employment of Lille’s Angel Gomes.
Right Winger: Noni Madueke
The absence of regular starter Saka opens up the opportunity for either Noni Madueke or Bowen and we’ll be looking to get a first England start with the former after a lively showing off the bench.
Attacking midfielder: Jude Bellingham
After playing as a surprise false nine against Greece, Jude Bellingham should drop into an attacking midfield position as he did in the 3-1 win over Finland.
Left winger: Anthony Gordon
The absence of Jack Grealish means Anthony Gordon will pose a threat down the left after becoming a key striker during Carsley’s short reign.
Forward: Harry Kane
Skip 🫡 pic.twitter.com/SF5fifvZvn
— England (@England) November 12, 2024
Captain Harry Kane will have to start once again before the battle between Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke makes an impression off the bench.
England team news
Predicted England XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Guehi, Lewis; Gallagher, Gomes; Maduke, Bellingham, Gordon; kane
injured: Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice.
doubt: Jarad Branthwaite
