LEE CARSLEY could opt to play Jude Bellingham in a new position for England’s Nations League clash with Greece tonight.
Interim boss Carsley has been experimenting with using Bellingham as a STRIKER in training this week, according to The Times.
Bellingham, who normally forms part of a midfield trio for the Three Lions, has reportedly been tested as a deep-lying striker in the training session’s building up to tonight’s game.
The news comes after it was confirmed that Harry Kane wouldn’t be starting against the Greeks after picking up a knock with club Bayern Munich.
Carsley even hinted that there may be a different look to how his team sets up as a result.
He said: “Along with a few of the players who can play at No.9, we’ve got plenty of options in that position.
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“Harry’s been the outstanding player for so long for us now, but I feel like we’ve definitely got a Plan B.”
Carsely isn’t short of options if he did want to play a conventional striker, having called both Ollie Watkins and Dominic Solanke up the squad.
However, Bellingham could be a viable option with the 21-year-old occasionally playing in a more advanced role for Real Madrid last season.
While the former Birmingham City star has certainly proved he has an eye for goal, netting 23 times for Madrid last term.
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The absence of Kane won’t just leave a gap up top, but also means Carsley has to find a new man to wear the captain’s armband this evening.
The former England U21 boss has decided that role will be filled by John Stones.
On being given the honour of captaining his nation at Wembley, Stones said: “It’s everything I dreamed of as a kid. It’s a special moment and I cannot thank Lee enough.
“It was a great conversation but I didn’t know what to say. I was a bit speechless.”
Fans will be also eagerly watching on across both tonight’s clash against Greece and Sunday’s face-off with Finland to see if Carsley can find a way to play Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer in the same squad.
Reports have suggested that Carsley could play an attacking side that features the trio alongside Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon.
The England boss is expected to start Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Anthony Gordon from the off under the arch this evening.
While Chelsea defender Levi Colwill is reportedly in line to partner John Stones at centre-back.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
