UEFA Nations League

GREECE star Fotis Ioannidis could miss the Nations League clash with England after hobbling off with an injury during a crunch derby.The Three Lions return to action on Thursday when they host the Greek national team at Wembley after winning their first two matches against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.Greece star Fotis Ioannidis may miss the Nations League clash with EnglandCredit: AFPPanathinaikos star Ioannidis is Greece’s top goalscorer in the Nations LeagueCredit: SportsfileHowever, Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic may be without his top scorer Ioannidisi, 24, who netted three goals in his country’s first two matches against Finland and Ireland.The striker started for Panathinaikos against Olympiacos on Sunday’s derby of the “eternal enemies” at Athens’ Olympic Stadium.The centre-forward, though, sustained an injury one minute before half-time and hobbled off the pitch.Panathinaikos manager Diego Alonso immediately replaced him with Andraz Sporar.Read More on FootballInitial reports suggest the Greece international suffered an adductor injury.Further reports claim Panathinaikos physios diagnosed Ioannidis with a fracture.The ex-Levadiakos star is expected to get an MRI as early as Monday.If Ioannidis’ injury is as currently reported then he will be sidelined for the next few weeks.Most read in FootballThus, the forward may miss the crucial Nations League clashes against England in London and Ireland in Athens on October 13.This comes after the Three Lions’ captain Harry Kane also limped off during Bayern Munich’s 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team England interim manager Lee Carsley will have to wait on updates regarding Kane’s fitness.This comes after Carsley received two injury scares with Aston Villa ace Ezri Konsa and Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbas-White also hobbling off against Manchester United and Chelsea respectively. More

ENGLAND interim boss Lee Carsley has suggested that Cole Palmer could play at left-back for the Three Lions.Carsley, 50, yesterday named his squad for upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Finand.Lee Carsley named his latest England squad yesterdayCredit: ReutersCole Palmer has been in blistering form for ChelseaCredit: AlamyUpon the announcement, Carsley was quizzed over the squad’s lack of left-back options.The Three Lions are without an out-and-out left-back – with Luke Shaw still injured.Ben Chilwell, who did not go to Euro 2024, was also left out having played just 45 minutes for Chelsea under Enzo Maresca this season.Rico Lewis and Levi Colwill have both been included, having acted as makeshift left-backs in recent England games.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCarsley, however, surprisingly identified Palmer as a further potential option in the problem position – as well as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Bukayo Saka.He said: “[Alexander-Arnold] can play there. Bukayo can play there, Cole can play there, so there’s quite a few.”Obviously you want to get the best out of them in their most natural positions.”We know if we play a right-footed player there, at left-back, that we’re going to have to build differently and be creative in the way we set up.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I think if you’re asking a right-footed player to play high and wide and playing too high and wide, it can sometimes be a little bit predictable.”It’s important that we aren’t predictable, that we’ve got different ways of attacking.Dominic Solanke handed first England call-up in seven years as Lee Carsley leaves Jarrod Bowen and Harry Maguire out “I think with the players we’ve got we can also swap the players over the wide players so they are on their natural sides just to give the opposition something different to think about.”Palmer has enjoyed a blistering start to the Premier League season.Primarily from his favoured No10 position, the former Manchester City starlet has scored six goals and laid on four assists in six outings so far this term.In his most recent match, Palmer produced a stunning four-goal performance as Chelsea beat Brighton 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.Despite also enjoying a productive campaign last time out, Palmer did not start a single game at Euro 2024.He equalised in the final against Spain, having replaced Kobbie Mainoo in the 70th minute as the Three Lions chased the contest.As per Transfermarkt, Palmer has never played at left-back in his entire club career, even dating back to Under-18 level at City.’WHY NOT JUST PICK A LEFT-BACK?’Following Carsley’s comments, fans had plenty to say.One wrote on social media: “What in the FIFA career mode is this?…”While a second asked: “Why not just pick a left back?”A third fumed: “This would make me extremely angry and i’m no Chelsea fan. Why would you waste a talent like that at left back?”READ MORE SUN STORIESAnother added: “You build the team around your best player. Thought Lee Carsley was the man for the job, but after hearing that I’m extremely uncertain.”England host Greece at Wembley next Thursday, before a trip to Helsinki to face Finland the following Sunday. More

JOHN O’SHEA has kept in contact with Liam Delap about a possible switch to Ireland.Delap’s father Rory won eight caps for Ireland. He qualified through his Donegal father and mother from Leitrim.Liam Delap of Ipswich Town is son of former Ireland star RoryIreland assistant head coach John O’Shea has been in contact with the England aceDelap – who joined Ipswich Town from Manchester City this summer – – has played for England up to Under-21 level.Lining out for them last month, having turned 21 in February, ties him to the Three Lions but it is believed FIFA may raise the bar to 22 years of age which could open the door again for him to change allegiance.And Ireland boss Heimir Hallgrímsson has left it to assistant O’Shea – who played alongside Rory for the Boys In Green – to keep the lines of communication open.Hallgrímsson said: I just know his qualities. In the end it’s always up to the player himself.“He knows that we are interested. He knows that. We talked about it before the last camp. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL “John has been in contact with him before. He has more connections to the player than me so no reason to have three, four guys doing the same.”England fans baffled as Declan Rice appears to refuse captain’s armband against former team Ireland More

INTERIM Three Lions boss Lee Carsley has appeared to hint at his long-term plans for the role. The 50-year-old named his England squad on Thursday for the upcoming international break. Lee Carsley has named his squad for the upcoming Nations League games with Greece and FinlandCredit: PAThe interim England boss appeared to hint he was taking on a long-term outlookCredit: ReutersCarsley was appointed as caretaker boss following the departure of Gareth Southgate after Euro 2024. The former Everton midfielder has taken charge of England’s under-21 squad for the last three years.In August, the FA confirmed he was placed in charge “with a view to remaining in the position throughout autumn.”But England’s strategy beyond that currently remains unclear, with Carsley the firm bookies favourite. READ MORE ON ENGLANDCarsley faced the press on Thursday after naming his 25-man squad for games against Greece and Finland.He claimed he didn’t want the group to be a “copy and paste” from August, instead taking the chance to “look at other players.”Carsley said: “I want the to feel like they’ve earned their place in the squad. “I’ve spoken to all the players that aren’t involved and have had good conversations with them.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAppearing to hint at being involved going forward, he added: “People want to know where they stand long term.”And I’ve made it clear that this is a short-term decision by myself.”Lee Carsley nailed on to land England manager job with bookies with Pep Guardiola second favourite at massive 10-1 Later in the presser, Carsley opened up on the Three Lions managerial situation.He continued: “It’s really clear what my remit is.”To take these three camps in the Nations League, which is something I’m really comfortable doing. I’m totally happy with that.”My situation hasn’t changed and I’m really looking forward to this camp now. “It was a real challenge, picking the squad, the players that we’ve had to leave out. That’s a big enough challenge without worrying about [managerial] candidates and the rest of it.”Man Utd’s Harry Maguire was one of the players to miss out in Carsley’s squad.Again appearing to hint at a longer-term outlook, Carsley continued: “[Harry] was very positive in the conversation we had. “We’ve got some really good centre-backs that I’m keen to see play and I’m wary about bringing players away that are really experienced and potentially aren’t going to play much. “Harry’s still got a really important part to play in the upcoming campaign.”England ratings vs Finland: Kane bags double on his big day… but he’s not the Three Lions’ star manTRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD showed his brilliance as Harry Kane’s brace saw England beat Finland.Interim boss Lee Carsley maintained his 100 per cent win record in charge of England.SunSports Tom Barclay has given their ratings of the England players…Jordan Pickford – 6Had nothing to do.Trent Alexander-Arnold – STAR MAN 9England’s best player as he supplied some beautiful balls from deep that on another day would have led to a glut of assists.He did get one in the end, although that was more thanks to Harry Kane’s lethal finishing.Ezri Konsa – 6Showed his ability on the ball with a super ball through for Bukayo Saka on the half hour.Twisted his ankle early in the second half, surprisingly played on before being replaced on the hour.John Stones – 6Played at left-sided centre-back before shifting when Levi Colwill came on.Solid though not much to deal with. Now 19 short of 100 caps.Rico Lewis – 7In the right place to snuff out early danger from ex-Norwich man Teemu Pukki.Came close to a goal on his second England cap when prodding wide after the break.Declan Rice – 5Lost possession to give Finland their one and only big chance which Topi Kesinen should have squared to Pukki, but instead fired wildly over.Angel Gomes – 7Wanted the ball from the off, just like Lee Carsley thought he would. Deliciously drilled cross-field ball to Alexander-Arnold early doors showed his range.Bukayo Saka – 7Almost scored and almost assisted in a lively display.Unlucky that Kane was millimetres offside after the centurion had headed home the Arsenal man’s wicked delivery.Jack Grealish – 7Enjoyed being in the heart of the action at No10 again, as he did on Saturday against the Republic of Ireland.Carsley clearly likes him – it will be fascinating to see what happens when Mssrs Bellingham, Foden and Palmer all return.Anthony Gordon – 7Caused problems down the left with his rapid pace – how we needed some of that in the Euros.But did not have on his shooting boots as he fluffed a decent chance early in the second half.Harry Kane – 8Two blistering finishes took the centurion to an astonishing 68 goals in 100 caps.Was denied the chance of a hat-trick in front of his family when subbed off to a standing ovation for the final ten.Kane said he fancies his chances of reaching a ton of international goals – and it does not seem fanciful.SUBSLevi Colwill (on for Konsa, 61) – 6Next to no threat from Finland by the time he came on.Eberechi Eze (on for Gordon, 66) – 6Raced on to yet another special Trent pass but could not loop it over the keeper.Noni Madueke (on for Saka, 66) – 7Looked to make an impact every time he got the ball on debut. Excellent one-two with Trent saw the Chelsea man tee up Kane’s second.Marc Guehi (on for Stones, 80) – 6As with Colwill, little to do.Jarrod Bowen (on for Kane, 81) – 6Played up top after Kane went off for the final minutes, as he has done for West Ham.Elsewhere in the squad, Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke has been called-up for the first time in seven years.READ MORE SUN STORIESLevi Colwill, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Noni Madueke are all included after working with Carsley in the under-21 setup.But Spurs midfielder James Maddison, Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze and West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen all miss out. More

LEE CARSLEY has named his England squad for the upcoming international break and left out some huge names.The Three Lions face Greece next Thursday followed by Finland the following Sunday in the Nations League.Lee Carsley has revealed his squad for the upcoming Nations League gamesCredit: GettyDominic Solanke is in the side for the first time in seven yearsCredit: ReutersKyle Walker has earned a recallCredit: GettyHarry Maguire is not in the England squadCredit: GettyTottenham striker Dominic Solanke has been called-up for the first time in SEVEN YEARS.He currently has just one cap to his name from a friendly against Brazil in 2017.On the decision to select Solanke, Carsley said: “Dom is a player I am fully aware of and I have worked with him in the past.”He was really close to being in the last squad – but he got injured just before the selection.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He is a player that has done so well at Bournemouth and has taken that form into Spurs.”He has got a lot of really good attributes that I like and as well as being a nice person, he is extremely talented and it is good that we have got him.”The player himself was delighted, writing on Instagram: “It’s been a while. Delighted to be called up to represent my country again.”Meanwhile, Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker has earned a recall after being left out of Carsley’s first matches as boss last month.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe manager continues to select players that worked with him at Under-21 level, with Levi Colwill, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Noni Madueke all chosen.Among those notably missing from the squad is Manchester United’s Harry Maguire.England fans SLAM Lee Carsley for not singing the national anthem at Wembley The centre-back has been nursing a calf injury and missed the Red Devils’ 3-0 thrashing by Tottenham on Sunday.Meanwhile, Spurs midfielder James Maddison, Crystal Palace ace Eberechi Eze and West Ham winger Jarrod Bowen are not in the squad.Ivan Toney is also not in the side following his move from Brentford to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli.Tino Livramento was selected last time but has been dropped after failing to win his first cap in the wins over Ireland and Finland last month.Aston Villa ace Morgan Rogers has been pushing for a place in the England team but will have to wait for his debut call-up.On the players who missed out, Carsley said it was “important that it wasn’t just a copy and a paste” from his previous squad and that all the players left out had a case.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “There’s a lot of players that were close to being in this squad. The talent that we’ve got available for us, it would have been quite easy to name a 40-man squad and justify having them all in. “The challenge is making sure that we pick a competitive squad that can win the two games.”England’s starting XI the last time Solanke was selectedDominic Solanke’s last cap came in 2017Credit: Arfa Griffiths – The Sun More