Football

Harry Kane, England's captain, has expressed his disappointment over the high number of withdrawals from the national team squad this week, emphasizing that the team's interests should take precedence. England faces a crucial Nations League match against Greece on Thursday, followed by a home game against Ireland on Sunday. However, interim manager Lee Carsley's final camp before the arrival of Thomas Tuchel as the new manager has been marred by eight withdrawals.Kane, who will lead the team in Athens, expressed his frustration, stating that key players' absence in a must-win match is a setback. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing England over club commitments, emphasizing the joy and excitement that players should feel when representing their country.The Bayern Munich forward criticized the withdrawals, suggesting that the busy schedule may have been exploited. He believes that England's interests should come first, regardless of club situations.Carsley, who will return to his role as England Under-21s coach after the Nations League games, acknowledged the withdrawals but emphasized his focus on the players available. He stated that the situation provides opportunities for others to prove themselves.Despite Kane's comments, Carsley downplayed the significance of the withdrawals, stating that it is not uncommon during this time of year. He expressed his confidence in the players who have joined the squad and their readiness for the upcoming matches.

England's interim manager Lee Carsley has been forced to make significant changes to his squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and Ireland due to a string of withdrawals. Eight players, including key figures from the top four Premier League clubs, have pulled out, leaving Carsley with a depleted squad.Among the absentees are Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden. Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has also withdrawn.To bolster his squad, Carsley has called up five new players: Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, West Ham's Jarrod Bowen, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, Southampton's Tino Livramento, and Manchester United's James Trafford.Rogers, a 22-year-old attacking midfielder, has impressed for Unai Emery's Villa side this season, scoring three goals and providing three assists. He has earned his first senior call-up as a reward for his performances.Carsley will be overseeing his final two fixtures before handing over the reins to Thomas Tuchel in January. Defeat in Athens would end England's chances of automatic promotion from the second tier of the Nations League.

Lee Carsley, the former England Under-21 manager, has been appointed as the interim coach of the senior England team. Carsley will take charge of the Three Lions for their upcoming Nations League fixtures in September, with a view to potentially staying on throughout the autumn while the Football Association (FA) continues its search for a permanent manager.Carsley's appointment comes after Gareth Southgate resigned as England manager last month following the team's defeat in the Euro 2024 final to Spain. Carsley, who has been managing England Under-21s since 2021, led them to the European Under-21 Championship title in 2023.The 50-year-old Carsley's first game in charge of the senior side will be on Sept. 7 away to Ireland, for whom he made 40 appearances. England also have a home game with Finland in September, and Carsley's task will be to make a strong start in the Nations League campaign in which they will aim to win promotion back to League A in a group also containing Greece.Carsley's coaching career began at Coventry City, where he finished playing, with two spells as caretaker. He later managed Brentford before a short spell as interim Birmingham City coach.FA CEO Mark Bullingham said: "Lee is a fantastic coach who is well known to the majority of our current senior squad having worked with most at international or club level. He offers us a very strong interim solution and we are confident he will perform well in the UEFA Nations League games ahead."Carsley said: "It's an honour to step up and lead this England squad on an interim basis. As I am very familiar with the players and the cycle of international football, it makes sense for me to guide the team while The FA continues the process to recruit a new manager."