England is set to face Greece on Thursday in an away fixture, followed by a home game against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday, as they aim to secure the top spot in their Nations League group. These will also be Lee Carsley’s farewell matches as interim manager, with Thomas Tuchel stepping in from January 1.
However, Carsley has had to make a significant reshuffle, with EIGHT players pulling out of the squad. Key absences include Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice, and Bukayo Saka. To cover these losses, Morgan Rogers, Jarrod Bowen, Jarrad Branthwaite, Tino Livramento, and James Trafford have been called up as replacements.
Carsley’s uncertainty over who would be available wasn’t helped by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, who voiced dissatisfaction with Grealish being included in the squad. Speaking ahead of City’s 2-1 defeat to Brighton, Guardiola commented, “National teams always play in this period and I’m always pleased for players to go – when they are fit and they haven’t struggled for the past one, two, three, or four weeks.”
He added, “In 17 days he didn’t train once. Today was the first training, and he trained for 20 minutes. That is the reality. Yes, he was in the gym for a few minutes over the past two days, but it’s a question for the manager from the UK (England) – I’m not involved.”
Guardiola also noted that Grealish expressed a desire to play, though he wasn’t aware of any communication between the FA and City’s medical team. “They can select who they want,” Guardiola said. “Jack has had two or three setbacks in terms of injuries and could not get his rhythm.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal players Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have also withdrawn. Their injuries followed Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, after which Mikel Arteta told Sky Sports, “They don’t look very good. I don’t know [if their injuries are long-term]. They both couldn’t finish the game, so not good.”
