Interim boss Lee Carsley ponders first squad selection as England enter new era

Lee Carsley has plenty to ponder ahead of selecting his first England squad as interim manager on Thursday.

The Euro 2024 runners-up are entering a new era after Gareth Southgate called time on his eight-year reign following July’s deflating final defeat to Spain.

The Football Association’s recruitment process for his permanent successor continues, leading England Under-21s boss Carsley to be temporarily promoted to oversee the senior team.

The 50-year-old will speak to the media on Thursday for the first time since taking the reins, when he names his squad for September’s Nations League fixtures against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

Carsley has been lined up to lead England in all six autumn internationals and announces his first selection just 46 days after the Euro 2024 final and 20 days after being placed in charge.

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham started the Berlin showpiece but the midfielder is set to miss out on the first post-Southgate squad due to a calf injury.

“Nothing I hate more than missing games but trying to see the positive side and maybe my body is telling me it needs a bit more rest after a busy year,” the 21-year-old posted on social media last week.

“I’m very frustrated but I’ll be supporting the lads like a fan until I can rejoin them again in my best and strongest form.

“Thanks for your messages of concern and support. Lots of love and Hala Madrid!”

Luke Shaw, another Euro 2024 final starter, is also out of September’s double-header after the left-back picked up a calf problem of his own during training at Manchester United.

Curtis Jones and Jarrad Branthwaite – both part of Southgate’s provisional Euros group – have been dealing with a knock and groin issue respectively.

Long-serving defender Harry Maguire is available having missed the tournament due to setbacks after an initial calf complaint.

Jack Grealish and James Maddison were the other headline names cut from a provisional Euros squad that Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson missed out on entirely.

Ben White’s international future is sure to be a hot topic one way or another when Carsley names his first squad.

Southgate revealed in March that the Arsenal defender turned down an England call-up, but it has been suggested a change in the coaching set-up could lead him to a return to the fold.

Impressive Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and ever-improving West Ham centre-back Max Kilman are among those knocking on the door for first call-ups.

Morgan Gibbs-White and Noni Madueke are among the victorious 2023 Under-21 Euros squad hoping Carsley’s promotion could lead to maiden senior selections.

Ivan Toney’s place looks in doubt having yet to play in the Premier League this season with his Brentford future up in the air, although natural replacement Dominic Solanke missed Tottenham’s second game with an ankle injury.

Marc Guehi, Kieran Trippier and Aaron Ramsdale are other Euro 2024 squad members whose club situations are uncertain ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.

England are playing in League B of the Nations League for the first time following relegation from the top tier.

They start their quest for promotion back to League A in Dublin against Ireland – who Carsley represented as player – on September 7, before facing Finland at Wembley three days later.