Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah has been called up to the senior England squad after Jarrad Branthwaite had to return to Everton through injury.
Lee Carsley was hit by eight withdrawals after naming his preliminary shortlist as he began his final spell in charge as interim head coach ahead of Thomas Tuchel’s arrival. who will start working at the beginning of January.
Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Levi Colwill and Aaron Ramsdale all dropped out due to fitness complaintswith Morgan Rogers, Jarrod Bowen, Tino Livramento, Branthwaite and James Trafford as substitutes.
However, Carsley have now confirmed that Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite is not ready to play in either of them EnglandLeague of Nations matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
Speaking at his press conference, the former Toffees midfielder revealed: “We’ve tried to give Jarrad as much time as we can but he’s probably going to miss it, so Jarell will be joining the party and taking part in the rest of the field, it is very important that Jarrad has not trained.
“He’s been treated for the last two or three days and it’s a problem that Everton will now take on when he comes back. We’re never going to play with a player’s fitness.
“It’s very important that they are fit and healthy and playing week in week out because that will help us in the future to pick as strong a team as we can.”
“It’s a great opportunity for Jarell.”
Injuries mean there are several defenders without one at Carsley’s disposal this month. Alongside Quansah, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento could all make their debuts during the international break, while Trafford, Curtis Jones and Rogers will also await their first appearances for the Three Lions.
Harry Kane, Kyle Walker and Jordan Pickford are the most experienced players included in the squad with 101, 91 and 71 caps under their belts respectively.
