England squad announcement LIVE: Lee Carsley reveals selection for upcoming Nations League fixtures
Dominic Solanke last made an appearance for England against Brazil in 2017 and returns after scoring three goals in his last three games for Tottenham
Dominic Solanke has been named in Lee Carsley’s latest England squad, seven years after his last call-up, while Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer all return from injury.
Solanke has scored three goals in his last three games for Tottenham Hotspur since joining Spurs from Bournemouth and returns to the international fold for the first time since making an appearance against Brazil in November 2017.
There is no place for James Maddison, Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Marcus Rashford or Harry Maguire, while Morgan Rogers will have to wait for his call-up after making an impressive start to the Premier League season for Aston Villa.
But Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes, Rico Lewis and Morgan Gibbs-White have retained their places, and Kyle Walker also returns to the group having missed the wins over Ireland and Finland last month.
Three Lions face Greece at Wembley on Thursday 10 October and Finland away from home on 13 October. Follow the squad announcement, as well as reaction and analysis, below:
Anthony Gordon told to ‘maximise every moment’
Eddie Howe has urged Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon to “maximise every moment” after the winger featured in both of England’s internationals against Republic of Ireland and Finland in September.
“This is a big season for him in his career.” said Howe of Gordon, “You don’t get many second chances in your career – the years go so quickly, and I can vouch for that.
“He’s still young and developing, but he needs to maximise every moment. He is the type of character that wants to do that. He’s very committed to his next dream and aim and that’s to have a great season with us.”
Lee Carsley reveals Ben White’s latest England stance
Lee Carsley says the onus is on Ben White if he wants to make an England return having asked not to be contacted about a call-up earlier this year.
The 26-year-old was part of Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad and went to the 2022 World Cup, only to leave during the knockout phase due to personal reasons.
Asked if he planned to speak White before selecting the squad for October’s Nations League fixtures, England’s interim manager said: “I’ve not planned to, no.
“We spoke about this in the squad selection. Every player that’s eligible to play for England is in with a chance. As far as I was aware, he asked to be not contacted. So, if that changes then that’ll change.”
Jamie Reid returns to Northern Ireland squad as Shayne Lavery misses out
Michael O’Neill has made only two injury-enforced changes to his Northern Ireland squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Belarus and Bulgaria.
Stevenage striker Jamie Reid, ruled out through injury himself last month, is back in the squad with Shayne Lavery sidelined, while the uncapped 19-year-old goalkeeper Pierce Charles returns in the absence of Conor Hazard.
Jamie Reid returns to Northern Ireland squad as Shayne Lavery misses out
Young goalkeeper Pierce Charles returns in the absence of Conor Hazard
‘Special’ Cole Palmer sets Premier League record with four-goal first half
Cole Palmer became the first Premier League player to score four times before half-time as he powered Chelsea to a 4-2 victory in an entertaining clash with Brighton last Saturday.
The visitors had gone in front at Stamford Bridge before Palmer struck for a first time, equalising 15 minutes after Georginio Rutter’s opener.
A second from the penalty spot soon followed from the England international, before he completed his hat-trick in just nine minutes and 48 seconds of match time with a sublime free kick.
‘Special’ Cole Palmer sets Premier League record with four-goal first half
Palmer became the first player in league history to strike four times before the half-time interval as Chelsea beat Brighton 4-2
Kane to play for England ‘as long as he can’
“I love playing for England, when I was younger I loved watching England, I was a big England fan,” said Harry Kane just before making his 100th appearance for the Three Lions.
“I never want to miss a camp, I don’t want to miss a game. I want to represent my county as long as I can. Whilst I’m still at the level I’m at, I know I can help this country to be successful.
“We came extremely close (at Euro 2024) of reaching our ultimate dream. It didn’t happen, but I know I can help this team get back there at the World Cup in two years. Not just help in terms of on the pitch, but my experiences off it as well.”
Harry Kane will ‘more than likely’ become England’s greatest says Pickford
Jordan Pickford believes Harry Kane will “more than likely” go down as England’s greatest ever player after the captain scored a brace on his 100th appearance in a 2-0 win over Finland.
Asked if all-time leading goalscorer Kane, whose double moved him on to 68 international goals, would retire as the nation’s greatest, Everton goalkeeper Pickford said: “More than likely.
“It was written in the stars. It was a privilege for Harry to make his 100th cap. He played in my debut and these games are special for him and his family. It’s a special moment and a privilege for me to be a part of that too.
“It was inevitable that he was going to score – those gold boots he had on as well. You’ve got to be clinical and he is, week in week out. When you have that eye for goal, he’s ruthless in front of it and he was (against Finland) even though their keeper had a very good game.
“It was business as usual for him. His record is incredible. He keeps pushing the boundaries to get better and better, score goals and he was ruthless.”
A long wait for a recall
If Dominic Solanke has been called up for the Three Lions and features for England this month it will be the longest gap between England appearances since Ian Walker from Feb 1997-Jun 2004.
And, it will be the longest by an outfield player since Frank Lampard Sr between Oct 1972-May 1980.
Solanke’s only appearance for England came in November 2017 in a friendly against Brazil.
No place for Maddison or Bowen?
Ahead of the official England squad announcement this afternoon, the Athletic are reporting that Lee Carsley continues to make surprising choices with regards to his England squads.
Tottenham midfielder James Maddison has seemingly missed out on a place in the squad as has West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen and Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
Maddison was excluded from the September camp as well but hoped his recent performances would be enough for a recall. Maguire and Bowen meanwhile have been dropped.
Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, who has impressed in the Premier League, has not been included with the senior side but joins up with the Under-21 squad.
Dominic Solanke to receive England call up
It seems we have an answer to the question over Dominic Solanke.
The Spurs forward is set to be called up to the England squad for the first time in seven years according to The Athletic.
Solanke has scored three goals in six games for Tottenham since moving away from Bournemouth. He netted 21 times in 42 games for the Cherries last season but was not included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 with Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins the preferred forward options ahead of him.
Solanke’s only senior England appearance came in November 2017 when he featured as a substitute in a friendly against Brazil..
Will Dominic Solanke get an England spot?
Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke is one of the fringe players in the conversation for a place in the England squad for the October internationals.
Spurs boss, Ange Postecoglou refused to be drawn into whether the forward would get a call-up but admitted he would be ready if he did.
Postecoglou said: “I get enough stick for my own selections so I am not going to get involved in anyone else’s selections, but yeah Dom is fine.
“I can see he’s getting strong. Obviously the goals help. He’s a striker, he wants to score goals and that helps him to feel better about the beginning of his career here.
“I think he’s in great condition, he’s already made a big impact at our football club, but I’m even more excited about what’s ahead.”
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