Team news, predicted line-up as eight withdraw from Carsley’s squad

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Lee Carsley’s final England squad as interim manager has been decimated by injury, with eight players dropping out on Monday.

Key stars Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Aaron Ramsdale and Declan Rice have all returned to their squads and will play no part in games against Greece and Republic of Ireland.

As a result, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has been handed his first call-up, with Jarrod Bowen, Jarrad Branthwaite, Tino Livramento and James Trafford also drafted in, meaning Carsley’s line-up in Athens on Thursday could have a new-look feel to it.

With England’s hopes of automatic promotion to Nations League A on the line, as well as a chance to impress incoming manager Thomas Tuchel, we have a go at predicting which XI Carsley will select.

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Despite a shaky performance in that 1-0 defeat at Wembley against Greece, Jordan Pickford should keep his No1 shirt over the inexperienced Dean Henderson and James Trafford.

Right-back: Kyle Walker

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence is set to hand a return to the side for Kyle Walker, who will likely pip Livramento to the right-back berth for the crunch clash.

Centre-back: Ezri Konsa

With John Stones missing out on the original selection with injury, Aston Villa centre-back Ezri Konsa will get a 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 seems a shoo-in to start at centre-back.

Left-back: Rico Lewis

Despite natural left-back Lewis Hall’s first call-up, versatile youngster Rico Lewis looks the best bet to start at left-back.

Central midfield: Conor Gallagher

With usual deep-lying midfielder Rice withdrawing, Conor Gallagher looks poised to slot in after a positive start to life at Atletico Madrid.

Central midfield: Angel Gomes

Curtis Jones has been one of the Premier League’s star midfielders this season but Carsley looks set to stick with Lille’s Angel Gomes after some positive performances for the Three Lions last month.

Right winger: Noni Madueke

Regular starter Saka’s absence opens an opportunity for either Noni Madueke or Bowen and we are going with the former to make his first England start after some lively showings off the bench.

Attacking midfield: Jude Bellingham

After operating as a surprise false nine against Greece, Jude Bellingham should drop to an attacking midfield position just as he did in the 3-1 win over Finland.

Left winger: Anthony Gordon

No Jack Grealish means Anthony Gordon will provide threat on the left after becoming a key attacker during Carsley’s short-lived reign.

Striker: Harry Kane

Captain Harry Kane should start once again, before a battle between Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke to impress off the bench.

England team news

Predicted England XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Guehi, Lewis; Gallagher, Gomes; Madueke, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane

Injured: Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice

Doubt: Jarrad Branthwaite




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