England’s Nations League squad features something not seen for 48 years | Football
England are back in Nations League action – but Lee Carsley’s squad this week is missing something it’s always had since 1976.
The Three Lions face Greece on Thursday in what is likely to be an emotional affair following the dramatic passing of ex-Premier League star and former Greece international George Baldock the evening prior.
England then travel to Finland on Sunday as they look to continue their perfect start under interim boss Carsley.
The former England Under-21s head coach has already been keen to put his own spin on the squad, providing maiden senior call-ups to Angel Gomes and Morgan Gibbs-White last month.
And the 50-year-old has created a bit more history with his latest England squad which will be the first since 1976 to not feature a single player from Manchester United.
That’s after Kobbie Mainoo withdrew from the Three Lions squad due to a minor hamstring injury to leave the Red Devils without a single player in the squad.
Harry Maguire has been a regular in the international squad over the last few years but the centre-back is unavailable having picked up an injury in last weekend’s draw with Aston Villa.
Kobbie Mainoo’s withdrawal means there are no Manchester United players in England’s squad (Picture: Getty)
Luke Shaw, meanwhile, is still recovering from his latest injury setback and is unavailable for a call-up.
England have other injuries to contend with this camp, with captain Harry Kane nursing a knock he picked up for Bayern Munich at the weekend.
The 31-year-old will not start against Greece on Thursday but could be in contention for Sunday’s game in Helsinki.
‘Harry’s nursing an injury, a small knock,’ Carsley said. ‘Something that we won’t take a chance with.”
Asked if Kane could still feature off the bench at Wembley, he added: ‘We’re not ruling him out yet of the game, but he won’t start the game.
‘Hopefully, he’ll be in contention then for Sunday (against Finland) but, again, time will tell. It’s not something I think we should be rushing.’