England take on Greece in a crucial UEFA Nations League clash this evening as the two teams go head-to-head for top spot and promotion.
The Three Lions arrive in Athens still smarting from their defeat to Greece last month, after Vangelis Pavlidis scored twice to earn the visitors a famous win at Wembley. Greece had never before scored at Wembley but struck late on to snatch the points.
Interim manager Lee Carsley has had to deal with the setback of nine withdrawals from his England squad. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden are among the high-profile names missing and it will be an inexperienced squad that takes on Greece at the Athens Olympic Stadium tonight.
Fifteen of the players involved have less than 10 senior caps for England and just three – Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and Kyle Walker – have more than 40 appearances for the national team.
There are six uncapped players in the squad and each will be hoping for an England debut tonight.
Which England players could make their debuts against Greece?
Lewis Hall (Newcastle)
The Newcastle defender has been rewarded for a strong start to the season at St James’ Park. He has nailed down the left-back role in Eddie Howe’s side and impressed for the England u-21 side during October’s break. The absence of another recognised left-back in the squad offers opportunity.
Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton)
Harwood-Bellis captained the u-21 side to European Championship success under Carsley in 2023. The centre-back signed for Southampton from Manchester City in the summer and has featured in all 11 of their Premier League games this season.
“Something in the air!” ✨
Taylor Harwood-Bellis on the English talent produced in Stockport 🙌#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/mYE0FaAvtx
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) November 12, 2024
Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
Another player Carsley knows well from the u-21 set-up. It was Jones’ fortuitous goal that sealed Euros success in 2023 and Carsley has called the midfielder one of the best he has worked with in terms of ability. He has hit a fine run of form for Liverpool in recent weeks.
Jarell Quansah (Liverpool)
Jones’ club teammate Jarell Quansah was a late inclusion after the withdrawals of Levi Colwill and Jarrad Branthwaite. The 21-year-old has been out of the Liverpool team of late but is a player of real potential.
Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa)
Rogers has been recognised with a maiden England call-up after an eye-catching start to the season at Aston Villa. He has scored three Premier League goals this season and ranks second in the Champions League for successful take-ons. Villa boss Unai Emery has insisted he is too good for u-21 duty.
A deserved call-up for Morgan Rogers 🥶#ThreeLions || #UpTheVilla pic.twitter.com/orKXdd8RLy
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) November 12, 2024
James Trafford (Burnley)
James Trafford will back up Jordan Pickford and Dean Henderson among the goalkeeping group. Aaron Ramsdale’s withdrawal has handed the 22-year-old a chance.
Read – Iconic Performances: Beckham’s Greece goal earns England redemption
See more – Greece vs England – Match preview and team news
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