The Three Lions are gearing up for a crucial week, starting with an away game against Greece next Thursday, followed by a home match against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday, November 17, in the Nations League.
These matches mark a pivotal point for England as they fight to top their group and avoid the play-offs.
England is currently facing a wave of injuries, with key players like John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Kobbie Mainoo all out of action. Meanwhile, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, and Jack Grealish have all recently dealt with injuries but are fit to join the squad for these upcoming games.
In response to the absences, manager Lee Carsley has brought in three uncapped players: Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Lewis Hall, and Curtis Jones. All three players are no strangers to Carsley, having worked with him at the Under-21 level. Harwood-Bellis, a Southampton defender, has been a regular in the Premier League this season and brings valuable experience to the team.
Joining Harwood-Bellis is Newcastle’s Lewis Hall, a versatile 20-year-old who steps up to help cover a gap at left-back. Carsley has praised Hall’s skills, noting that while England has strong competition at right-back, they could use a boost on the left side. Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, 23, is also back in the squad after missing the last call-up for personal reasons.
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Carsley expressed confidence in his new additions, describing Harwood-Bellis as “an outstanding Under-21s captain” and praising Hall’s high quality. Both players have logged significant minutes this season, which Carsley sees as a big advantage heading into these high-stakes matches.
Next week’s match against Greece holds particular importance. England is out for redemption after falling 2-1 to Greece last month. Greece has been on a tear, winning all four of their Nations League games and currently sits at the top of Group B2 with 12 points. England trails closely with nine points, making this rematch a must-win.
For England to leapfrog Greece and improve their chances of topping the group, they need to win by at least two goals. Under UEFA rules, head-to-head results come into play if teams finish level on points, adding extra pressure on England to perform in Athens.
The games against Greece and Ireland will be Carsley’s last in charge before Thomas Tuchel officially takes over on January 1. Although Tuchel has yet to influence this squad selection, he’ll undoubtedly be watching closely to see how the team performs.
Reflecting on his time with the team, Carsley said, “It’s been a massive honour to lead this squad. I’ve focused on the games and the players, without worrying about what’s next.” His calm approach has earned him respect within the team and among fans.
Looking ahead to the transition, Carsley welcomed Tuchel’s arrival, sharing that they’ve been in touch briefly. “I’ve messaged him to congratulate him,” Carsley said, hinting at a smooth handover as the team prepares for a new era in the coming year.
