Interim manager Lee Carsley names his second England squad ahead of this month’s Nations League fixtures.
Carsley will once again take charge of the Three Lions as they face Greece and Finland, with the England Under-21s boss starting his interim spell in charge with convincing wins against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.
Carsley included several new phases in his first selection, including the uncapped Noni Madueke, Morgan Gibbs-White and Angel Gomes, but with the season now in full swing the likes of Cole Palmer and Phil Foden will hope for a return.
Tottenham’s Dominic Solanke could be handed a call-up as he looks for a first England cap since 2017 after three goals in as many games for Spurs, while James Maddison has been in good form too. But will Kyle Walker return to the squad at the age of 34?
Three Lions face Greece at Wembley Thursday 10 October and Finland away from home on 13 October.
Follow the squad announcement, as well as reaction and analysis, below:
England squad announcement LIVE
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England squad for upcoming Nations League fixtures announced at around 2pm BST
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Lee Carsley picks the second squad of his tenure, after handing debuts to four players
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The Three Lions face Greece on 10 October at Wembley and Finland on 13 October
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Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke set to be named in England squad for first time since 2017
John Stones opens up on ‘new goal’ he has with England
13:20 , Mike Jones
If Harry Kane is often described as a role model, it is not just to emerging footballers. He serves a particular inspiration for one long-time teammate right now. The celebrations for the England captain’s 100th cap, earned against Finland in September and marked with two goals, are fuelling an ambition in John Stones.
He is only 19 away from joining the striker in the ranks of England’s centurions. He has an eye on his own hundred.
“Definitely,” he said. There is a lot left in the tank. “Yeah, 100 percent. To see Harry do that, I never thought I would get 50 caps and to hit 75, I have done that, and 81 now. I got told I got level with Rio [Ferdinand] on 81, that is a massive achievement for me personally and it is a bit strange to say.”
Harry Kane accused of being ‘invisible’ by German media after Bayern loss to Aston Villa
13:18 , Mike Jones
The German press labelled Harry Kane as “invisible” after the striker struggled to make an impact in Bayern Munich’s Champions League defeat to Aston Villa.
Vincent Kompany’s side were surprisingly beaten by the hosts as they suffered an early set-back in the revamped competition.
The Bundesliga club dominated possession at Villa Park but were unable to beat Emiliano Martinez, allowing Jhon Duran to strike late on to snatch the three points.
Harry Kane accused of being ‘invisible’ by German media after Bayern defeat
Carsley to welcome back England stars
13:10 , Mike Jones
Lee Carsley was without a number of stars for his first camp, with five of those that played in the Euro 2024 final unavailable or withdrawing from the squad through injury.
Jude Bellingham was among those as he deals with a calf complaint but the Real Madrid star could return in October.
Carsley said: “I was definitely aware of him [Bellingham] and I’ve spoken to him by text to see how his injury is because he’s a player that I’m really looking forward to working with.
“Players like Jude, Phil [Foden], Cole [Palmer] all missed out and they’re all outstanding talents. I’m lucky to have worked with Phil and Cole.
“I think I had Jude when I was assisting with the 21s for a couple of camps. I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Gareth Southgate delivers defiant response to England legacy despite missing ‘final piece’
13:00 , Mike Jones
Gareth Southgate says he has ‘no regrets’ over his eight years as England manager despite not managing to lead the national team to a first international trophy since 1966.
Southgate’s tenure saw the men’s senior side reach the finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 but England were defeated in both by Italy and Spain respectively, meaning the wait to win more silverware goes on.
Speaking in an interview with Sky News, the former England boss was asked for his reflections on his time as head of the national team and how he felt about resigning.
Gareth Southgate delivers defiant response to England legacy
Anthony Gordon told to ‘maximise every moment’
12:50 , Mike Jones
Eddie Howe has urged Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon to “maximise every moment” after the winger featured in both of England’s internationals against Republic of Ireland and Finland in September.
“This is a big season for him in his career.” said Howe of Gordon, “You don’t get many second chances in your career – the years go so quickly, and I can vouch for that.
“He’s still young and developing, but he needs to maximise every moment. He is the type of character that wants to do that. He’s very committed to his next dream and aim and that’s to have a great season with us.”
Lee Carsley reveals Ben White’s latest England stance
12:40 , Mike Jones
Lee Carsley says the onus is on Ben White if he wants to make an England return having asked not to be contacted about a call-up earlier this year.
The 26-year-old was part of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad and went to the 2022 World Cup, only to leave during the knockout phase due to personal reasons.
Asked if he planned to speak White before selecting the squad for October’s Nations League fixtures, England’s interim manager said: “I’ve not planned to, no.
“We spoke about this in the squad selection. Every player that’s eligible to play for England is in with a chance. As far as I was aware, he asked to be not contacted. So, if that changes then that’ll change.”
Jamie Reid returns to Northern Ireland squad as Shayne Lavery misses out
12:30 , Mike Jones
Michael O’Neill has made only two injury-enforced changes to his Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Belarus and Bulgaria.
Stevenage striker Jamie Reid, ruled out through injury himself last month, is back in the squad with Shayne Lavery sidelined, while the uncapped 19-year-old goalkeeper Pierce Charles returns in the absence of Conor Hazard.
Jamie Reid returns to Northern Ireland squad as Shayne Lavery misses out
‘Special’ Cole Palmer sets Premier League record with four-goal first half
12:20 , Mike Jones
Cole Palmer became the first Premier League player to score four times before half-time as he powered Chelsea to a 4-2 victory in an entertaining clash with Brighton last Saturday.
The visitors had gone in front at Stamford Bridge before Palmer struck for a first time, equalising 15 minutes after Georginio Rutter’s opener.
A second from the penalty spot soon followed from the England international, before he completed his hat-trick in just nine minutes and 48 seconds of match time with a sublime free kick.
‘Special’ Cole Palmer sets Premier League record with four-goal first half
Kane to play for England ‘as long as he can’
12:10 , Mike Jones
“I love playing for England, when I was younger I loved watching England, I was a big England fan,” said Harry Kane just before making his 100th appearance for the Three Lions.
“I never want to miss a camp, I don’t want to miss a game. I want to represent my county as long as I can. Whilst I’m still at the level I’m at, I know I can help this country to be successful.
“We came extremely close (at Euro 2024) of reaching our ultimate dream. It didn’t happen, but I know I can help this team get back there at the World Cup in two years. Not just help in terms of on the pitch, but my experiences off it as well.”
Harry Kane will ‘more than likely’ become England’s greatest says Pickford
12:00 , Mike Jones
Jordan Pickford believes Harry Kane will “more than likely” go down as England’s greatest ever player after the captain scored a brace on his 100th appearance in a 2-0 win over Finland.
Asked if all-time leading goalscorer Kane, whose double moved him on to 68 international goals, would retire as the nation’s greatest, Everton goalkeeper Pickford said: “More than likely.
“It was written in the stars. It was a privilege for Harry to make his 100th cap. He played in my debut and these games are special for him and his family. It’s a special moment and a privilege for me to be a part of that too.
“It was inevitable that he was going to score – those gold boots he had on as well. You’ve got to be clinical and he is, week in week out. When you have that eye for goal, he’s ruthless in front of it and he was (against Finland) even though their keeper had a very good game.
“It was business as usual for him. His record is incredible. He keeps pushing the boundaries to get better and better, score goals and he was ruthless.”
A long wait for a recall
11:51 , Mike Jones
If Dominic Solanke has been called up for the Three Lions and features for England this month it will be the longest gap between England appearances since Ian Walker from Feb 1997-Jun 2004.
And, it will be the longest by an outfield player since Frank Lampard Sr between Oct 1972-May 1980.
Solanke’s only appearance for England came in November 2017 in a friendly against Brazil.
No place for Maddison or Bowen?
11:47 , Mike Jones
Ahead of the official England squad announcement this afternoon, the Athletic are reporting that Lee Carsley continues to make surprising choices with regards to his England squads.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has seemingly missed out on a place in the squad as has West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
Maddison was excluded from the September camp as well but hoped his recent performances would be enough for a recall. Maguire and Bowen meanwhile have been dropped.
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, who has impressed in the Premier League, has not been included with the senior side but joins up with the Under-21 squad.
Dominic Solanke to receive England call up
11:43 , Mike Jones
It seems we have an answer to the question over Dominic Solanke.
The Spurs forward is set to be called up to the England squad for the first time in seven years according to The Athletic.
Solanke has scored three goals in six games for Tottenham since moving away from Bournemouth. He netted 21 times in 42 games for the Cherries last season but was not included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 with Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins the preferred forward options ahead of him.
Solanke’s only senior England appearance came in November 2017 when he featured as a substitute in a friendly against Brazil..
Will Dominic Solanke get an England spot?
11:40 , Mike Jones
Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke is one of the fringe players in the conversation for a place in the England squad for the October internationals.
Spurs boss, Ange Postecoglou refused to be drawn into whether the forward would get a call-up but admitted he would be ready if he did.
Postecoglou said: “I get enough stick for my own selections so I am not going to get involved in anyone else’s selections, but yeah Dom is fine.
“I can see he’s getting strong. Obviously the goals help. He’s a striker, he wants to score goals and that helps him to feel better about the beginning of his career here.
“I think he’s in great condition, he’s already made a big impact at our football club, but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead.”
Ange Postecoglou talks up Maddison’s chances of England selection
11:30 , Mike Jones
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has backed James Maddison to get selected for England when Lee Carsley’s squad is announced this afternoon.
Postecoglou said: “I think Madders has been outstanding so far this year. His form from the first game has been really strong physically.
“I’ve said a few times that he’s back at the levels where he can play in the manner he wants to and do everything he wants in a game.
“In the last two or three weeks he’s had an effect on goals and assists as well, which always gets highlighted with players in his position, but his general play has been outstanding.
“I’m sure if he continues in that vein he will be in the conversation for England squads moving forward.”
James Maddison targeting England return
11:20 , Mike Jones
James Maddison hopes to return to the England fold this week after being omitted from Lee Carsley’s first squad announcement back in September,
“I didn’t think question one would be straight in with the England stuff,” Maddison said.
“I want to be in the squad. It’s simple, every England player will tell you that. I know Lee Carsley, I worked with him at Coventry. He was my assistant with the England Under-21s under Aidy Boothroyd.
“I feel really good at the minute. I feel as fit as I’ve ever felt, really. I feel like my fitness is at an optimum level.
“Having a break over the summer, not going to the Euros, it does help. I know it’s been spoken about with Erling Haaland how he’s had a summer off and he hit the ground running and I feel the same. I feel alive on the pitch at the minute.
“I always say the same cliched thing when I get asked about the England stuff. It’s if I just take care of my performances for Spurs, which I feel like I’m doing at the minute to a high level, then the other stuff will take care of itself, hopefully.”
Pickford on Blcak History Month
11:10 , Mike Jones
Jordan Pickford believes engaging with Black History Month is a strong way to raise awareness of the issues faced in society in regards to race.
He said: “It’s a really important thing. We want everybody to feel comfortable and happy in their lives.
“Within football and within this squad specifically, we’ve all come from different cultures and backgrounds. We’re proud of that and I hope we all come together as one.
“We will always aim to help each other.”
Pickford proud to be a champion for diversity
11:00 , Mike Jones
Jordan Pickford says he is proud of the way England have been a beacon for diversity but says more progress can still be made.
He said: “I think we’ve been very good at it [raising awareness for diversity]. Not just us, but the Premier League and other nations, it’s definitely got better over the last few years.
“We’ve set our stall out in the England setups I’ve been involved in and we’ll continue to do that. We’ve been very open with it.
“We have to make sure that continues to progress. We’ve shown the world what we stand for when we wear the England badge but we know there is work to do and we will continue to aim for everybody to be treated correctly.”
Uefa threatens to ban England from Euro 2028 over ‘government interference’
10:50 , Mike Jones
Uefa has written to the UK government to warn that England could be expelled from Euro 2028 over concerns about “government interference in the running of football”.
The warning comes following government plans to set up an Independent Football Regulator (IFR) for the men’s game, with a bill to establish the regulator reintroduced in July.
In a letter to new UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, Uefa general secretary Theodore Theodoridis emphasised that “football regulation should be managed by the national federation”, and that the absence of government interference is “one of Uefa’s fundamental requirements”.
Uefa threatens to ban England from Euro 2028 over ‘government interference’
Carsley’s previous England squad
10:40 , Mike Jones
Interim England manager Lee Carsley named a surprising squad for his first two fixtures in charge of the national side with four uncapped players included.
Those were Angel Gomes, Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White and Noni Madueke and three of the four (minus Livramento) made their senior England debuts during the last camp.
Carsley also omitted Marcus Rashford, James Maddison and Kyle Walker while Kieran Trippier decided to retire from international football and Jude Bellingham missed out due to injury.
Here’s a reminder of Carsley’s last squad:
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)
How many players will make the one announced this afternoon?
Maguire on England’s legacy
10:30 , Mike Jones
Harry Maguire is confident the current England squad, and the ones picked under Gareth Southgate, will leave a positive legacy in terms of values off the field.
He said: “I hope and think it’s something we’ll be remembered for. It’s part of our legacy.
“The journey we went on under Gareth was obviously really good on the pitch but we had great values off it. We’ve been a welcoming group and we’ve understood the importance of social causes.
“We try to improve things off the pitch and put things in place for future generations. Hopefully that’s what we’ve done.”
‘England to show correct values’ says Maguire
10:20 , Mike Jones
Harry Maguire spoke about how the England squad have been given a responsibility to display ‘correct values’ when the represent the national side.
Speaking about Black History Month in October, Maguire explained that it is important that any player, regardless of skin colour or other differences, should play football if they are good enough.
The Manchester United defender said: “It’s really important as a group of players and staff, and within the game as a whole, that if you’re good enough, you play. Nothing else matters.
“Within the coaching setup over the last few years and now with the new one it’s been drummed into us that we have a responsibility to show the correct values. That’s what we aim to do.”
Lee Carsley reveals unusual experiment for England’s new tactics
10:10 , Mike Jones
If England’s future opponents want to conduct an unusual scouting mission, they could find themselves scouring academy training sessions in the Midlands on Friday. The tactics Lee Carsley is considering using for Harry Kane or Jude Bellingham could be road-tested on some unknown youngsters. But this, for England’s interim manager, is life as normal.
Friday, for Carsley, has meant academy coaching; the Strachan Foundation, established by his former Coventry manager Gordon Strachan and based in Warwick, is near his home. For a man who believes his greatest strength is his coaching, it enables him to work not just with England’s elite, but youngsters without a professional club. And now they might get a first glimpse of his plans.
“I’ve got a few ideas which I want to try and it’ll be no different,” Carsley said. “I’ve got ideas from here that I want to try with them, leading up to the next game. There’s still a couple of things I want to improve on in terms of out of possession. So myself and James [Ryder, England’s senior performance analyst] will go down there on Friday.”
Lee Carsley reveals unusual experiment for England’s new tactics
Who did Carsley pick in his first squad?
10:00 , Mike Jones
Carsley’s first England squad was an interesting one, as he picked four uncapped players – all of whom he had worked with extensively at U21 level.
Tino Livramento, Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes and Noni Madueke were the players called up for the first time, and all four made their debuts.
Notable players such as Kyle Walker, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer weren’t in the squad as they were still recovering from Euro 2024.
Potter responds to England manager links
09:50 , Mike Jones
Graham Potter said he is “open to anything” as he considers his next step in management amid links with Manchester United and England.
It’s almost 18 months since Potter was sacked by Chelsea after a short spell in charge and the former Brighton boss is considering a return to the game.
“I am the only coach in world football to be linked with Stoke City and Napoli in the same week,” he said.
“A lot of what I’ve read in the media is untrue and false. I take what the media say with a pinch of salt. I’ve had lots of conversations with lots of people. For the respect of everybody, it’s best I keep it private.
“As an Englishman, of course it’s a fantastic job but I’m supportive of whatever the FA decide to do and whoever the coach is. I think Gareth [Southgate] did a fantastic job and I’m sure Lee [Carsley] – for however long it is – will do really well.
“I’m open to anything, to be honest. I’ve had a fantastic journey over the last 12 years from the fourth tier of Swedish football to the last eight of the Champions League and I would like to spend the next 12 years in the same position, developing players, teams, working with people and making a difference.
“Wherever that is, I’m open to everything.”
Graham Potter responds to Manchester United and England manager links
09:40 , Mike Jones
Graham Potter said he is “open to anything” as he considers his next step in management amid links with Manchester United and England.
It’s almost 18 months since Potter was sacked by Chelsea after a short spell in charge and the former Brighton boss is considering a return to the game.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is under pressure after the club’s poor start to the season and Potter has a connection with sporting director Dan Ashworth from when they were colleagues at Brighton.
Appearing on Monday Night Football on Sky Sports, the 49-year-old said that he did not consider United to be an “impossible” task, while describing England as a “fantastic job” for an Englishman.
Graham Potter responds to Manchester United and England manager links
England’s October fixtures
09:30 , Mike Jones
Lee Carsley’s second international break features matches against Greece and Finland.
Greece, like the Three Lions, are unbeaten in their Nations League campaign and travel to London sitting top of Group B2 having defeated Finland and the Republic of Ireland in their opening two games.
A strong result against England, be that a win or a draw, will see them hold onto that position and move a step closer to automatic promotion.
England, meanwhile, will be hoping to continue their winning run under Carsley and prove that they are continuing to develop during this new era.
Carsley’s career at a glance
09:20 , Chris Wilson
So how did Lee Carsley end up as England’s interim manager?
The Birmingham-born coach had a 17-year playing career, and most notably featured in the Premier League for Everton and Derby County, having started his career at the latter.
The defensive midfielder made his debut in 1994 for the Rams in what was then called the First Division (now known as the Championship). He became a regular starter at Pride Park, helping his side to promotion to the Premier League in 1995/96.
The most successful spell of his career came between 2002 and 2008 while playing for Everton, with the Toffees finishing as high as fourth and sixth during his time at Goodison.
At international level, Carsley represented the Republic of Ireland, making 40 appearances between 1997 and 2008.
The 50-year-old retired in 2011, with his last club being Coventry City. Having worked on his coaching badges while at Everton, Carsley was made manager of Coventry U18s later in 2011.
His first involvement with England came as a coach for the U19s in 2015, and he went on to become head coach of the U20s in 2020 after holding various youth-level development roles within the FA.
In July 2021, Carsley was appointed as the U21s head coach, winning the European Championship in 2023 after beating Spain 1-0 in the final with a team that included Cole Palmer, Angel Gomes, Anthony Gordon, Morgan Gibbs-White and Levi Colwill.
England squad announcement LIVE
09:10 , Chris Wilson
Lee Carsley’s ‘reign’ began with fixtures against the Republic of Ireland – who he represented as a player – and Finland.
The former U21s manager began in the perfect fashion too, as England demolished his old side with a near-perfect first-half display in Dublin. The second half was less convincing, though the overall performance was enough to suggest that Carsley’s side will be decidedly different to those of Gareth Southgate.
Of course, whether the ex-Everton man has done enough to get the job on a permanent basis remains to be seen, but the follow-up to that game in Dublin was another impressive Three Lions performance as they dispatched Finland 2-0 at home, with Harry Kane making his 100th international cap.
England squad announcement LIVE
09:00 , Chris Wilson
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of today’s England squad announcement.
Lee Carsley will announce the second squad of his tenure at around 2pm BST, and fans and the media alike are braced for some surprises from the former U21s coach.
His last squad contained four uncapped players, but with the new season now in full swing, will he recall big names such as Phil Foden and Cole Palmer?
Find out here as we follow all the build-up, news and reaction.
