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 maiden call-ups to Tino Livramento, Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes.
Carsley has decided to put his faith in players who he has worked with at Under-21 level, with Newcastle defender 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’s 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 Gomes and Nottingham Forest playmaker Gibbs-White to work with stalwarts like Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo. Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton misses out.
With Ivan Toney yet to make an appearance this season whilst his future with Brentford remains uncertain, Carsley has opted against selecting the 28-year-old as one of his striker options. Instead, Chelsea winger Madueke has been handed his first international call-up following a stellar few weeks with the Blues.
The winger bagged a hat-trick in his side’s victory over Wolves last weekend and he could be rewarded with a senior nternational cap, despite previously being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge due to Enzo Maresca having a significant amount of players to work with.
Grealish also returns to the frame, though the same cannot be said for fellow Euro 2024 absentee James Maddison.
