Lee Carsley, the newly appointed interim head coach of the England men’s football team, is set to announce his first squad on Thursday. This will be the first time the squad has come together since their loss in the final of Euro 2024 to Spain, and it marks the first time in eight years that a manager other than Gareth Southgate has named the squad. Carsley has expressed the importance of putting his “own stamp” on the team before their upcoming Nations League games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
While Carsley wants to make his own impression on the team, he also acknowledges that many members of the current squad have performed well for the Three Lions in the past. With only 45 days since their loss to Spain and limited match time to analyze, Carsley has been seen at stadiums around the country observing players. It is expected that a large part of the squad will remain the same, with key players such as Jordan Pickford, John Stones, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka fit and available.
However, there may be some changes in the full-back area. With Reece James injured, Kieran Trippier making only one substitute appearance for Newcastle this season, Luke Shaw injured, and Ben Chilwell out of the picture at Chelsea, Carsley may opt for a right-footed left-back, similar to his approach with the England Under-21 side last summer.
One player to watch for in the squad is Arsenal defender Ben White. White has not been involved in an England squad since the 2022 World Cup and it remains unclear if he has reversed his decision to make himself unavailable. He has been a standout performer for Arsenal and has the versatility to play both right-back and center-back.
There could also be some new faces at center-back, with Carsley possibly opting for younger players in this next stage. Players like Lewis Dunk, Levi Colwill, and Jarrell Quansah, who have experience playing under Carsley in the Under-21s, could be brought into the senior squad. Marc Guehi, one of England’s stars at Euro 2024, is expected to start alongside John Stones in the first game.
In midfield, Harvey Elliot, despite playing just seven minutes for Liverpool this season, has a good chance of being named in the squad. Morgan Gibbs-White, who played a key role in Carsley’s Under-21 side last summer and has been performing well for Nottingham Forest this season, could also earn a debut call-up.
In terms of a change in role, Cole Palmer, who was named the Premier League young player of the season and had an impressive performance at Euro 2024, could play a bigger part for the national team under Carsley. Anthony Gordon, who had a strong season for Newcastle last year and was named player of the tournament in the summer, could also benefit from a change in manager.
There is also the potential for some recalls to the squad. Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford, who were left out of Southgate’s squad in the summer, could be brought back. Grealish has expressed his desire to get his international career back on track and his style of play could complement Carsley’s vision for the team. With Jude Bellingham likely to miss out due to injury, Grealish could be recalled for the upcoming games, especially as the match against the Republic of Ireland holds extra significance for him.
Overall, Carsley’s first England squad is eagerly anticipated, and fans will be looking out for any interesting call-ups and potential changes in roles. With his experience and knowledge of the players, Carsley has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the team as they prepare for the Nations League and World Cup qualifiers.