Lee Carsley could opt to name a trial squad for England’s UEFA Nations League match against Greece at Wembley.
The Three Lions welcome the Euro 2004 champions to the Home of Football on Thursday evening – live on talkSPORT.
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Carsley prepares for his third and fourth games as England interim coachCredit: Getty
England is looking forward to achieving its three victories in a row after Carsley was appointed on a temporary basis.
But if the former Everton midfielder backs up what he said in his press conference last week after announcing his squad, he could name a bold new XI.
Carsley raised eyebrows when he stated that Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer could help solve England’s left-back problem.
When asked if Trent Alexander-Arnold could play there, Carsley then stated that two of England’s best attacking players could do a job there.
He said: “Yes, he is.” [Alexander-Arnold] You can play there.
“Pukayo [Saka] He could play there, Cole could play there, so there are quite a few. Obviously, you want to get the best results from them in their most natural positions.
“We know that if we play a right-footed player there, at left-back, we will have to build differently and be creative in the way we play.”
Carsley’s view did not go down well with talkSPORT co-host Alan Brazil, while Arsenal Indomitables Ray Parlor urged the 50-year-old to start Palmer in an advanced role.
There are still question marks over the fitness of captain Harry Kane, who suffered a minor knock with Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Ezri Konsa, Kobe Maino and Morgan Gibbs-White have all withdrawn from the team due to their own injury issues.
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Palmer could be in for a surprise appearance at left-back according to Carsley’s final wordsCredit: AFP
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Kane could be rested for England’s clash with Greece after coming off injured against Eintracht FrankfurtCredit: Getty
Here talkSPORT.com takes a look at how England could face Greece in Kane’s likely absence – with a major change in defence.
Jordan Pickford is likely to start from the woods – having converted a heroic penalty for Everton when he blocked Anthony Gordon’s kick in their 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could be the one to play at right-back in a 4-2-3-1 formation, although Kyle Walker has returned to international duty.
Returning to the memory of Cole Palmer gifting a shirt to a fan, his last shirt bearing 4 goals was sold at auction for a record price!
The Liverpool man started Carsley’s first two matches as England manager last month against Ireland and Finland.
With Konsa injured and Harry Maguire out, the centre-back pairing could consist of John Stones and Mark Guehi.
The duo played alongside England at Euro 2024, which included a 2-1 final defeat to Spain.
And if Carsley sticks to his words before the game, he could use Palmer incredibly well at left-back.
If he does, it will be the first time the 22-year-old, who has scored 11 goals from seven Premier League matches this season, has played in that position during his career.
Moving into midfield, Carsley could opt for a double pivot consisting of Declan Rice and Angel Gomes.
The pair were Carsley’s preferred choice in England’s last match in September – a 2-0 win over Finland.
With Jude Bellingham back after his leg injury, he could then start in the No.10 position ahead of Phil Foden.
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Palmer has impressed in his seven Premier League appearances this season – and he will be missed at left-back
On the right wing will be Bukayo Saka, who is one goal away from becoming Arsenal’s all-time top scorer for England with 13 goals.
Gordon could then move up the flank ahead of Jack Grealish, with the Magpies striker awaiting his first international goal.
If Carsley opts to rest Kane, Ollie Watkins could be elected to lead the line in place of Dominic Solanke.
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This could be the way England face Greece in the Nations League on Thursday
