Lee Carsley has announced his first England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, including Jack Grealish and Noni Madueke. Grealish, who was previously named in Gareth Southgate’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024 but was ultimately cut from the final team, has been given another opportunity to represent his country. Madueke, on the other hand, is yet to be capped at the senior level but has made a strong impression with his performances for Chelsea this season, including scoring his first hat-trick for the club in a Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Carsley, who has been placed in interim charge of the national team for the Nations League fixtures, will potentially remain in the position throughout the autumn. The upcoming matches will see England face Ireland on Saturday, September 6, followed by a game against Finland on the following Tuesday.
This announcement comes after Gareth Southgate stepped down as England manager in July, following England’s defeat to Spain in the European Championship final. Southgate had been in the job for eight years and left a lasting impact on the team.
According to The Athletic, Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are the two leading candidates to succeed Southgate as the permanent England manager. Both managers have had successful stints with their respective clubs and could bring a fresh approach to the national team.
Lee Carsley, who had previously worked in coaching roles at Coventry City, Sheffield United, and Manchester City, took over as the England Under-21s manager in July 2021. In his first year in charge, he led the team to victory in the Under 21 European Championship, securing their first title since 1984. Carsley’s experience and success at the youth level make him a promising choice as the interim manager for the senior team.
The inclusion of Jack Grealish and Noni Madueke in the squad reflects Carsley’s willingness to give opportunities to talented players who have shown promise at the club level. Grealish, in particular, has been a standout performer for Manchester City since his move from Aston Villa, and his creativity and flair could provide a much-needed spark to the England attack. Madueke’s impressive start to the season with Chelsea has caught the attention of many, and his inclusion in the squad could be a stepping stone towards a bright international career.
Overall, Lee Carsley’s first England squad signals a new era for the national team. With the possibility of a new permanent manager on the horizon and the inclusion of exciting young talents, there is a sense of optimism and anticipation for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The performances of Grealish, Madueke, and the rest of the squad will be closely watched as England looks to build on their recent success and continue their development as a top international side.