England head into Sunday’s game against the Republic of Ireland knowing that a win will send them straight into League A of the UEFA Nations League.
Lee Carsley’s short tenure will be remembered fondly if his side manage to do the business at Wembley, with a Impressive 3-0 win in Greece in Athens ensuring the Three Lions avenged an embarrassing defeat in October.
Interim boss has shown he is a gambler and his decision to skip the goalscoring record Harry Kane in favor of Ollie Watkins Thursday paid dividends. How brave will he be with his team selection for his last game in charge?
Here’s how England could line up in the Nations League against Ireland on Sunday.
GK: Jordan Pickford – Perhaps their loss against Finland last month gave Pickford the kick up the backside he needed, as he was brilliant on Thursday night and should keep his place.
RB: Kyle Walker – Pep Guardiola will probably not be too happy if Walker starts again due to the right-back’s injuries this season. Still, the veteran winger is an experienced boss and should have some role.
CB: Taylor Harwood-Bellis – Walker didn’t exactly shine at centre-back in the second half on Thursday, so Carsley could make his England debut for Southampton’s Harwood-Bellis against Ireland.
CB: Marc Guehi – Guehi has generally been brilliant for the national team when called upon, and he will be needed here as he may be paired with a debutant.
LB: Lewis Hall – The Newcastle full-back came off the bench for his first cap on Thursday and is in contention for a first England start. It offers the natural width of the Tres Lleons to the left.
CM: Curtis Jones – Liverpool Fans are desperate for Carsley to give their in-form midfielder a break on Sunday, but how can he go down after the excellent performance in Athens?
CM: Angel Gomes – By including Gomes and partnering him with Jones, Carsley would be reviving the midfield pivot that helped his Under-21 side to European glory in 2023.
RM: Noni Maduke – Madueke went into the break in relatively indifferent form, but played with swagger in Athens after scoring the opener. Should be preferred to Jarrod Bowen at Wembley.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Bellingham certainly benefited from Watkins’ willingness to stretch the pitch last time out, with the Real Madrid star often enjoying Athens’ freedom to roam between Greek lines.
LM: Anthony Gordon – England don’t look half bad with a balanced left flank, with Gordon’s run and variation when attacking defenders one-on-one proving a useful asset.
ST: Harry Kane – Kane is said to have taken his bench in the as professional as possiblebut there is no doubt that he wants to start and score goals. Carsley has already hinted that the captain will return.
