Having succeeded Gareth Southgate on an interim basis while the FA continue to assess their options for a more permanent solution, Lee Carsley has named his first England squad for UEFA Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland in September.
After seven years in charge of the Three Lions, Southgate made the decision to step away from the role after defeat in the EURO2024 final at the hands of Luis de la Fuente’s Spain.
Carsley, who previously oversaw England’s U21 side as they were crowned European Champions in 2023, includes a plethora of young talents in his first squad since taking the reins – including Tino Livramento, Angel Gomes and Noni Madueke.
Aaron Ramsdale, on the verge of a £25m move to Southampton, is notably omitted from the list in favour of Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford and Nick Pope.
Embed from Getty ImagesTrent Alexander-Arnold is named amongst the defenders after Southgate’s decision to experiment with the Liverpool star in midfield at EURO2024 backfired. Harry Maguire returns to the selection after missing out on that tournament through injury, with the duo accompanied by Levi Colwill, Marc Guéhi, Ezri Konsa, Tino Livramento, Rico Lewis, Harry Maguire and John Stones.
Kyle Walker is perhaps the biggest defensive omission, with Kieran Trippier also absent after announcing his retirement from international football earlier on Thursday.
Angel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White could both be in line to make their senior debuts for England having been named in Carsley’s squad, previously flourishing under the 50-year-old manager during their time in the youth setup. They’re joined by recent breakthrough star Kobbie Mainoo, in addition to more experienced stalwarts in the form of Phil Foden, Conor Gallagher, Cole Palmer and Declan Rice. Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton misses out, however.
Offensively, Jack Grealish has been recalled to the England setup having failed to make the final cut for EURO2024. There’s no place for Ivan Toney though, with the Brentford striker yet to make an appearance for the Bees this season as speculation surrounding his future continues to remain prevalent.
Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Ollie Watkins are included, alongside Noni Madueke who recently made headlines for scoring a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 6-2 demolition of Wolves at Molineux, just hours after making an offensive comment about the city on social media.