Interim England boss Lee Carsley has named Tottenham Hotspur striker as part of his Three Lions squad for the upcoming October internationals

Interim England manager Lee Carsley has unveiled his squad for the October international friendlies against Greece and Finland, making several notable decisions that signal potential shifts in the team’s composition and strategy.

One of the most significant inclusions is Tottenham Hotspur striker Dominic Solanke, who returns to the national team setup after a seven-year absence. Solanke, who made his sole England appearance in 2017 against Brazil, has been given an opportunity to compete with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins for the role of backup to captain Harry Kane. This selection reflects Carsley’s desire to reshape England’s striking options and potentially introduce new tactical dimensions to the forward line.

The squad announcement also sees some surprising omissions. Veteran defender Harry Maguire has been left out, despite his recent return to form. This decision may indicate Carsley’s preference for younger, more agile defenders as he builds towards future tournaments. Additionally, West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen and Tottenham’s James Maddison have not made the cut, despite their impressive club performances. Aston Villa’s rising star Morgan Rogers also misses out, suggesting Carsley is being selective in his youth integration strategy.

In midfield, Carsley appears to be grappling with an abundance of creative talent. The inclusion of players like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer highlights the wealth of options in the number 10 role. Reports suggest that Carsley is particularly keen on building the team around Chelsea’s Palmer, whose recent form has been exceptional. This focus on attacking midfielders could signal a shift towards a more fluid, possession-based style of play.

The defensive selections see Kyle Walker recalled, preferred over Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento. The backline choices of Levi Colwill, John Stones, Marc Guehi, and Ezri Konsa indicate a blend of experience and emerging talent that Carsley hopes will solidify England’s defensive capabilities.

Carsley’s squad also reflects a continued commitment to nurturing young talent, with several players from his time as England U21 manager included. Morgan Gibbs-White, Angel Gomes, and Noni Madueke all retain their places, showcasing Carsley’s trust in players he has previously worked with and his vision for the future of the national team.

The goalkeeper selection remains stable, with Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, and Nick Pope maintaining their positions as England’s top three choices between the posts.

This squad selection by Carsley, who took over on an interim basis following England’s disappointing Euro 2024 campaign, represents a delicate balance between continuity and evolution. While established stars like Kane and Bellingham remain central to the team, the inclusion of fresh faces and tactical adjustments suggests Carsley is not afraid to make bold decisions as he auditions for the permanent managerial role.

As England prepares to face Greece and Finland, all eyes will be on how this new-look squad performs and whether Carsley’s selections can reinvigorate the team’s prospects on the international stage. With a mix of experienced internationals and exciting young talent, these friendlies offer a crucial opportunity for players to stake their claim for long-term roles in the England setup and for Carsley to demonstrate his vision for the future of English football.