Lee Carsley has announced his squad for England’s upcoming international matches in October, making several notable selections after a strong start to his tenure. The interim manager, overseeing the national team for the second time, has opted for some bold changes, including a recall for Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke, while some familiar faces have missed out.
Solanke’s return & Maddison’s absence
Dominic Solanke, whose only prior appearance for England came in 2017, has been included in the squad following an impressive spell of form with Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old striker has scored three goals in his last three games for Spurs, earning him a spot in Carsley’s side as they prepare for two key fixtures. Solanke’s inclusion is one of the more surprising choices in a squad that also features some key omissions.
Despite his strong performances recently, Solanke’s Spurs teammate, James Maddison, remains absent from the squad. The midfielder has been in eye-catching form, but it wasn’t enough to convince Carsley to bring him into the national fold this time around.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers also misses out despite his solid start to the season, in which he has contributed two goals and an assist. The 21-year-old midfielder has been pushing for a call-up but will have to wait for another opportunity to make his senior debut.
Bellingham’s return & defensive adjustments
Jude Bellingham, fresh off an impressive season with Real Madrid, returns to the England squad after missing the September internationals due to injury. This will be Bellingham’s first experience under Carsley’s leadership, as the midfielder had already moved up to the senior team when Carsley took over the Under-21s. His return adds significant strength to the midfield ahead of two crucial fixtures.
In defense, Kyle Walker is back in the mix after missing out last month, bringing his wealth of experience from Manchester City. Meanwhile, Manchester United’s Harry Maguire has been left out, as he continues to struggle for playing time at his club. Luke Shaw also remains sidelined due to injury, with no expected return until later in October.
The squad will be looking to build on their perfect start to life in Nations League B, where they sit just behind Greece on goal difference. England will face Greece at Wembley on 10 October in a game that could be decisive for topping Group 2, before traveling to Finland three days later, hoping to replicate their previous 2-0 victory.
England’s squad for october fixtures
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Levi Colwill (Chelsea), Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Rico Lewis (Manchester City), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), 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: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Noni Madueke (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Dominic Solanke (Tottenham Hotspur), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
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