Interim England Manager Lee Carsley Names His First Squad for Nations League Double Header

England’s interim head coach Lee Carsley has announced a 26-man squad, who will face Republic of Ireland and Finland in the UEFA Nations League. Several surprising names have made it into the squad.

After being snubbed for the 2024 Euros, Manchester City winger Jack Grealish makes his return to the squad under Carsley. But it’s the inclusion of several young talents that has fans buzzing. Angel Gomes, Noni Madueke, Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Rico Lewis have all been called up, showing Carsley’s confidence in the next generation. Angel Gomes, in particular, earned his spot after a standout European U-21 Championship performance last year. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke gets his first senior England call-up after bagging a hat-trick for Chelsea against Wolves on 25th August. 

With the introduction of fresh faces in England's squad, some veteran players have inevitably been left out. Kieran Trippier, for one, announced his international retirement just hours before the squad was revealed. Kyle Walker, another regular under Gareth Southgate, is also missing this time around. Meanwhile, Ben White's international exile continues after he requested not to be called up for the 2024 Euros. With these three top-tier right-backs out, Tino Livramento now has the perfect opportunity to stake his claim for the right-back spot under Lee Carsley. 

In a notable change between the posts, Aaron Ramsdale has been excluded due to his lack of game time over the past 12 months. Newcastle United’s Nick Pope steps back in to fill that void. On the attacking front, mainstays like Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Eberechi Eze retain their places. Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa is also included, though many fans feel he’s fortunate to keep his spot given his lackluster form at the start of the 2024/25 season. 

England’s 26-man squad for UEFA Nations League 

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope 

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Rico Lewis, Tino Livramento, Harry Maguire, John Stones 

Midfielders: Phil Foden, Conor Gallagher, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, Kobbie Mainoo, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice 

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Noni Madueke, Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins 

Also Read: Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier Retires From International Football