Interim England manager Lee Carsley faces the challenge of fitting Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, and Phil Foden into the same starting XI for the upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Finland. While all three were named in the squad, the difficulty lies in accommodating their talents in a balanced formation, especially given their preferred roles in attacking midfield.
Bellingham, Palmer, and Foden: Finding a Solution
Carsley is optimistic that a long-term solution can be found, though he acknowledged that starting all three at the same time may not be feasible immediately. Bellingham and Palmer missed previous matches due to injuries, while Foden was sidelined with illness. The manager emphasized the importance of balancing the squad, given the number of matches the players have ahead of them both internationally and for their clubs.
“We’ve got to be creative,” Carsley said, hinting at the need to experiment with formations to make the most of their abilities. He stressed that having multiple talented players was a “nice problem to have,” but it requires careful management to get the balance right.
Dominic Solanke’s Surprise Recall
One of the most notable selections was the recall of Dominic Solanke, who returns to the squad seven years after his only international cap. Solanke’s inclusion highlights Carsley’s approach to selecting players based on form and freshness. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire was left out, with Carsley explaining that he wanted to give other center-backs, like John Stones and Ezri Konsa, a chance to prove themselves.
Adapting to a Squad Game
Carsley spoke about the evolving nature of football, where the emphasis is shifting from just the starting XI to the entire squad. He referenced how substitutes are now seen as “finishers,” capable of making decisive impacts late in games. This approach is increasingly accepted by modern players, according to the manager.
As England prepares for the Nations League matches, Carsley’s focus will be on finding the right combination of players while managing fitness and form. With another international window in November, his performance in the upcoming matches could determine whether he remains in charge for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
