England’s interim manager Lee Carsley has been forced to make significant changes to his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Ireland due to a string of withdrawals. Eight players, including key figures from the top four Premier League clubs, have pulled out, leaving Carsley with a depleted squad.
Among the absentees are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden. Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has also withdrawn.
To bolster his squad, Carsley has called up five new players: Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Southampton’s Tino Livramento, and Manchester United’s James Trafford.
Rogers, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder, has impressed for Unai Emery’s Villa side this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. He has earned his first senior call-up as a reward for his performances.
Carsley will be overseeing his final two fixtures before handing over the reins to Thomas Tuchel in January. Defeat in Athens would end England’s chances of automatic promotion from the second tier of the Nations League.
