Yahoo Sports Why eight England stars withdrew from squad and who replaces them
Eight England players have pulled out of the squad ahead of this week’s Uefa Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish, Aaron Ramsdale, Levi Colwill and Phil Foden will remain with their respective clubs during the international break.
It’s a huge blow to interim boss Lee Carsley, who needs to win his final two games in charge to earn the Three Lions promotion back to League A.
Some have pointed to the fact that Thomas Tuchel will not be in the dugout until next year as the major reason behind the pullouts, but many of the players mentioned are legitimately unavailable due to injury.
Why eight England stars withdrew from squad
Trent Alexander-Arnold
The right-back was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury in the first half of Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on Saturday. Arne Slot commented that it was “not a good sign” and reports suggest he could be sidelined for two weeks.
Declan Rice
The midfielder was a doubt heading into Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea on Sunday after missing the 1-0 defeat to Inter Milan in midweek. Rice reportedly has a broken toe but started at the weekend and was subbed off in the 71st minute.
Bukayo Saka
The winger was also a doubt, but did start for Arsenal before limping off late on.
Cole Palmer
The Chelsea star was a doubt to face Arsenal, but completed the full 90 minutes, although he did look subdued.
Aaron Ramsdale
The goalkeeper reportedly fractured his finger during Southampton’s 2-0 defeat to Wolves on Saturday.
Jack Grealish
The winger was named in England’s squad despite not featuring in any of Man City’s last seven matches. Pep Guardiola confirmed last week that Grealish, who has not played since last month’s win over Wolves, is injured.
Levi Colwill and Phil Foden
The reasons behind the Chelsea defender and Man City midfielder’s withdrawals remain unknown, with both men playing 90 minutes at the weekend. Foden’s minutes have been heavily managed this season.
England replacements
Carsley has called up the following players to fill out his squad:
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Tino Livramento (Newcastle United)
Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
James Trafford (Burnley)
Read – Premier League Team of the Week as Man Utd star returns to form
See Also – Premier League Awards – Brilliant Bruno, Cunha’s cracker
