England's new interim manager Lee Carsley announced his first squad for the September's Nations League fixtures on Thursday. Carsley surprised everyone with some major changes to the team that finished as the runners-up in the recent Euro 2024.
Rico Lewis, Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs white and Angel Gomes are in line for the potential debuts when England play Ireland away (September 7) and Finland at home (September 10) in their opening two UEFA Nations League matches.
Manchester United's defender Harry Maguire returned to international football after missing the Euros due to an injury. But Carsley dropped the experienced right-back Kyle Walker citing the lack of first-team football for the Manchester City player.
"It's important players here are ready to play and up to speed," Lee Carsley said. "Kyle hasn't played for Manchester City yet, suggesting they're phasing him in. We wanted to pick players who have minutes in their legs.
"These are two tough games. That was my thinking. Players who aren't involved aren't ruled out, I'm not in a position to do that. I see Harry Maguire as a really good leader. We have young defenders like Marc Guehi and Levi Colwill, so Harry and John Stones will be a really good example for them."
Ben White and James Maddison were the biggest exclusions from the team despite their impressive form with their respective clubs early in the English Premier League.
England squad for Nations League
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United).
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Conor Gallagher (Atletico Madrid), Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest), Angel Gomes (Lille), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Declan Rice (Arsenal).
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
