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    Dominating Mbappe, Premier League Iron Man, promotion hero: A tribute to Sheff Utd and Greece great George Baldock

    IT was back in 2019 when Greece legend Vasilis Torosidis retired from international duty after 101 caps and a scintillating service after Giourkas Seitaridis helped us do the unthinkable and win Euro 2004.A giant void was left behind at right-back, many talented players tried to step up but unfortunately none of them could fill those big boots.George Baldock leaves a legacy behind after stunning displays for Sheffield United and GreeceCredit: APBaldock became Greece’s starting right-back upon his arrival in 2022Credit: GettyBaldock put together an amazing performance against France star Kylian Mbappe despite being injuredCredit: GettyBaldock’s last ever match was an impressive display with Panathinaikos before his tragic deathCredit: RexBut soon enough, I started to hear whispers about a Premier League ace with Greek heritage that plays as a starter week-in and week-out…That was none other than George Baldock, born in Buckingham on March 9, 1993, to English parents but qualified for Ethniki through his Greek grandmother.And what a season he was having, the right-back starred for Sheffield United as they surprised the Prem in the 2019-20 campaign – their first in 12 years – by finishing in the top half of the table.And Baldock was among their standout players as he registered a staggering 3,420 minutes played, which was the joint highest return along a select few – only seven of which were outfield players, such as Declan Rice and Virgil van Dijk.Read More on FootballThe defender was fully keen to make the big step to the international stage with the country of his grandmother’s homeland and it didn’t take long until he shook hands with the Greek football federation (EPO) chiefs.However, a long and arduous paperwork hell stood in the way – with the then Sheffield United star claiming COVID-19 and Brexit slowed things down.But finally, Greece got the right-back they were begging for for years as Baldock made his debut on June 2, 2022 in a Nations League clash at Northern Ireland as a late substitute.It didn’t take long until the English-born ace owned the right flank at the back and impressive performances followed.Most read in FootballPerhaps none compare to the Euro 2024 qualifier against France in June 2023 when Baldock did the unthinkable and kept Kylian Mbappe quiet for 104 MINUTES, despite being injured and playing through “unimaginable” pain.I still remember speaking to then Greece manager Gus Poyet about his player’s stunning performance and I will never forget the big smile the Chelsea legend had on his face.Greece boss Poyet reveals Sheff Utd ace Baldock played through ‘unimaginable’ injury when he silenced France’s MbappeThe Tottenham hero reminded me of a proud father as he took me through the injury hell the full-back endured before squaring up against perhaps the world’s best player for his country.A beaming Poyet told me: “Against the Republic of Ireland [three days beforehand] – and now that it is finished I can say it – after 20 minutes he had a very bad twist in his ankle, very bad. He was very close to come out. I asked him, ‘Can you hold until half-time?'”At half-time his ankle was very, very swollen. He asked for a strapping and he asked me for five minutes. Give me five minutes and we’ll let you know. And he had an unbelievable second half running up and down and being outstanding.”You don’t imagine the ankle after the game. You don’t imagine the ankle the day after, after the flight to France. Black and blue – swollen. And a day-and-a-half later you need to play against Mbappe.”Ninety per cent of people will think, no chance. And I keep talking to him, individually. And he keeps saying to me, ‘Coach I’m gonna be there no worries’.”And he didn’t play 20 minutes, he didn’t play 60 minutes, he played 104 minutes because the referee gave 14 minutes of injury time against Mbappe.”A loyal soldierIt’s easy to understand how loyal Baldock has been to every team he ever played for during his 15-year career just by looking at his stats.The Greek ace started his career at MK Dons in 2009 where he amassed a staggering 125 appearances throughout an eight-year stint that also saw him playing on loan for Northampton Town, Tamworth, IBV and Oxford United.The defender joined Sheffield United in 2017 and registered a whopping 219 appearances in seven years that also saw him helping his team achieve two Premier League promotions.Baldock’s work ethic and commitment was no different in Greece as he proudly stated two years ago: “To play for the national side is a great honour and a lot of pride involved for me and my family.”Representing my country through my late grandmother, it’s a very proud moment for me and my family. I love the country and I will fight for every success”Baldock never played for England, but he always competed like a lion and he proved it on Sunday in his last ever match when he started for Panathinaikos, whom he joined in the summer, against eternal rivals Olympiacos in perhaps the most intense derby in Europe.And he served his team with honour as he helped them pick up a valuable point in a goalless draw against their in-form foes, who had just played their best game of the season with a 3-0 win over Braga in the Europa League a few days earlier.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe only managed 12 caps for Greece before his sudden and tagic death at the age of 31 on Wednesday in Athens.But his fighting spirit and charisma at right-back with the white and blue as well as his remarkable run in the Premier League and the Championship show that he is leaving a legacy behind for many Greek and English fans to look up to.George Baldock career statsGeorge Baldock has tragically died aged 312009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0) More

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    England’s stand-in skipper John Stones compares Lee Carsley to PEP GUARDIOLA in massive endorsement of interim boss

    JOHN STONES believes Lee Carsley has got England playing like Manchester City.The Three Lions star sees parallels with how interim boss Carsley and City chief Pep Guardiola set up their teams to play attacking football.Temporary England skipper John Stones believes Lee Carsley has got England playing like his Manchester City sideThe defender said there’s ‘a lot of similarities’ between Carsley and Pep GuardiolaEngland face Greece at a sold-out Wembley in the Nations League ON Thursday, with skipper Harry Kane a big doubt following injury.It will be Carsley’s third game since replacing Gareth Southgate on a temporary basis.And defender Stones said: “There are a lot of similarities between Lee and Pep in how they see the game and how they want us to play.“We saw that last month when we played the two games and got we played the two games and got positive results.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“It’s been great for me with the likenesses of how we play.“They do a lot of research on us as players, see how we play at our clubs and then try to bring that in.“That makes it as easy as possible for us, as players, to gel together.”Stones skippers the Three Lions from the start of a match for the first time on his 82nd cap.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe said: “To be asked to captain England was everything I could have dreamed of as a kid.“For my family to see me walk out as captain is going to be such a memorable moment.Premier League icon Nikos Dabizas names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs Greece“I was speechless when Lee asked me. It was just an incredible moment.“To walk out with the armband is an honour I will cherish forever.”England beat Ireland and Finland 2-0 last month and Stones feels the squad have got used to a new regime after Gareth Southgate and No 2 Steve Holland led them at four major finals.Stones added: “We have bedded in now. I mentioned before how it was a strange feeling after being with Steve, Gareth, all the team.“And I’ve not had many managers throughout my career.“So it was a strange transition period with new faces and new challenges — and I think we have now settled in.“It has been a seamless transition, which is just a credit to them and not easy to do.”Striker Kane, 31, was unable to train properly this week after suffering groin and ankle issues playing for German giants Bayern Munich.And Ollie Watkins looks set to start in his place, while Tottenham new-boy Dominic Solanke is likely to feature at some stage.The Three Lions were hit by Morgan Gibbs-White, Ezri Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo pulling out of the squad after picking up injuries during last weekend’s Prem games.Carsley called up Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Newcastle defender Tino Livramento.At the back, Stones is set to partner Levi Colwill, while in-form Chelsea star Cole Palmer is also expected to start.And Carsley explained: “Kane is nursing an injury — a small knock — and it’s something we won’t take a chance with.“We are not ruling out Harry from being on the bench but he won’t start against Greece.“Hopefully he will be in contention for Sunday in Finland, time will tell.“It was a great chat to have with John on Tuesday night — to have the chance to ask him to captain the team.“It’s a brilliant achievement and it’s something that he deserves, with the experience he has and his professionalism.“He just shows a great example to the younger players.”City winger Jack Grealish is unlikely to feature against Greece.READ MORE SUN STORIESCarsley added: “Jack will be assessed later but he had a slight knock in training on Wednesday.“We wouldn’t gamble with any of the players — it’s important we put them first.”Title rivals Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka were both named in the October squad More

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    Carsley reveals he does have plan for England’s Bellingham-Foden-Palmer riddle as he says reputations count for nothing

    IT says much about the Cole Palmer phenomenon that he has been named as England’s Player of the Year without having ever started in a competitive international.In Thursday’s Nations League clash with Greece, Lee Carsley will finally give the Chelsea talisman his chance to shine in a meaningful match for his country after a sensational start to the new season.Cole Palmer was named England’s Player of the Year on WednesdayLee Carsley has heaped praise on Chelsea superstar PalmerPalmer’s first-half quadruple against Brighton earlier this month has raised his figures to an extraordinary 28 goals and 16 assists in 41 Premier League games for Chelsea.Underused by both Pep Guardiola and Gareth Southgate, Palmer now has two true believers to manage him at club and international level. Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca and Carsley — under whom Palmer won the European Under-21 Championship last year — both seem ready to build their teams around the sublime gifts of the 22-year-old Mancunian.On and off the field, Palmer appears supremely unruffled. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAs Carsley says: “Whatever you throw at Cole, he deals with it.”That includes the England Player of the Year award after just nine caps, seven as a substitute.Though he did deliver a goal in the Euros final defeat by Spain and assist for Ollie Watkins’ dramatic late winner in the semi-final win over Holland.If that gong, voted for by fans, feels like a cuff around the ear for Southgate, then it is also a rare slight on Guardiola, who allowed Palmer to join Chelsea last year because he could not guarantee him regular starts at Manchester City.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInterim boss Carsley is careful not to openly criticise Southgate but, asked about the player’s lack of starting chances, he replied: “I can’t really talk, from a seniors point of view, about what’s gone on with Cole.“But I’ve seen the impact he has had when he’s been given the opportunity.New dad Jack Grealish reveals why he would never ask Bukayo Saka to babysit and which England pal he’ll go to for tips“He had a similar role for us in the Under-21 Euros where he built into the tournament and then started in the final.“Cole is in a brilliant position. He has really found his feet at Chelsea, he is highly-rated, he’s getting minutes, he’s showing that he can handle the intensity of playing game after game. “So that’s been a real plus for him and we’re getting the benefit of that.“Because when you talk about players who are in form, the fact that he’s getting so much exposure and his numbers in terms of goals and assists is brilliant for us.“Ultimately, he’s still a young player, he’s still got a lot of improving to do.“Even though he’s at an incredible limit at the moment, I still think he can get better.”Carsley admits it will be tough to include all of Jude Bellingham, Palmer and FodenCarsley spoke last week about the difficulties of trying to fit Palmer, Real Madrid Galactico Jude Bellingham and Footballer of the Year Phil Foden into the same eleven, as all of them covet the No 10 role.That trio all missed last month’s Nations League 2-0 wins over Ireland and Finland.And Carsley now faces a fascinating selection dilemma against the Greeks, who top the group ahead of England on goal difference. While Foden has often started wide for club and country, Carsley — who worked with the player as a City youth coach — is adamant that his best position is in a more central role.Carsley said: “It’s been a few years but I spent a lot of time with him at Manchester City with the Under-18s and also England Under-21s.“Phil’s an unbelievable player, we’re very lucky to have someone with his talent and mentality.“And we now need to make sure we put him in positions where he can really affect the opposition.“Playing him in the wider positions, he can do it, but we’d have to change the way we play to get the best out of him.“In central areas, Phil’s at his most effective.”Carsley worked closely with Phil Foden at Manchester City Under-18s and England Under-21sWhether Foden, Palmer and Bellingham can start together, we are unlikely to find out either at Wembley or against Finland in Helsinki on Sunday, given that all three are having their workloads managed after injuries.But asked about this selection conundrum, Carsley said: “I’ve definitely got a plan in place.“The beauty of this job is you get a lot of time to think.“In between driving from game to game, you are constantly thinking about combinations and relationships.“Those three are brilliant players but we have a squad of really exciting, talented players.“So you have to have that feeling you’ve earned your place — rather than try and shoe-horn players into positions.“You get diluted as a head coach if you’re picking players who are out of form, based on what they’ve done in the past.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThat sounded like a veiled criticism of Southgate at the Euros — and it’s an opinion shared by the voting public.Just imagine how good England’s Player of the Year might be once he’s actually starting matches.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. More

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    Premier League icon names surprise EFL star who could be key to shutting down Jude Bellingham in England vs Greece

    NEWCASTLE cult hero Nikos Dabizas has named a surprise Championship star as the best man to keep England superstar Jude Bellingham quiet when Greece visit Wembley.The Three Lions return to international duty on Thursday to welcome their Nations League group leaders after both sides kicked their campaign off with victories over Republic of Ireland and Finland.Jude Bellingham may start for the first time under England interim boss Lee Carsley against GreeceCredit: ReutersGreece legend Nikos Dabizas believes Cardiff star Manolis Siopis could keep Jude Bellingham quietCredit: GettyDabizas, though, insists Siopis will need help from all of his Greece team-mates to stop BellinghamCredit: SportsfileBellingham, 21, is set to play under interim manager Lee Carsley for the first time since Gareth Southgate’s dismissal as he missed last month’s international break due to a foot injury.The superstar midfielder is expected to start under Carsley, which means Greece manager Ivan Jovanovic will have his hands full in his first big match in charge since taking over in August.However, Dabizas, 51, believes Cardiff ace Manolis Siopis could be the one to stop the Real Madrid star for the Greeks, who have never beaten England in all of their nine matches – losing seven.The Euro 2004 legend claims Siopis, 30, who helped Trabzonspor win their first title in 28 years two seasons ago, could thrive in this unenviable task thanks to his speed, power and stamina.Read More on FootballHowever, the former defender insists Jovanovic shouldn’t rely only on the defensive midfielder to neutralise Bellingham, who registered a staggering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games last season with Real.Dabizas exclusively told SunSport: “In terms of direct marking, Manolis Siopis is a footballer who has the necessary combo of speed and power as well as stamina so that for a long period of time in the game to be pressing in his marking [against Bellingham]. “But under no circumstance should we opt for a game of individual marking. That [marking] should be based on teamwork that could create a situation of “delivery-receipt” when a player arrives in your area so that you can face him in your individual marking. “From then on when the opponent moves in a different area then the player who is responsible for that area can take him on. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I believe the three central midfielders will be able to give us that necessary cohesion and with the characteristics that they will have be able to create that concrete midfield both inside and outside our area where most of the game will be played. “But I believe Manolis Siopis can serve very well that part of direct marking in midfield. And it depends of course on what kind of formation Bellingham will be placed on by Carsley because, as we said, he didn’t have him in the previous games. Jude Bellingham follows Cristiano Ronaldo in launching YouTube channel with behind-the-scenes footage of England star”Maybe he will use him in a role on the wings. There’s also Cole Palmer who is doing great things with Chelsea and I believe he will start. He’s taken [Phil] Foden’s place. I believe he will start with Palmer. “The only thing left is to see how he handles [Kobbie] Mainoo’s absence. It’s a puzzle you need to turn around and fill up with the characteristics of the players he has at his disposal. “And what kind of strategy he will choose. But I believe it is very important to have a concrete midfield in the game with England.”Dabizas insists this is going to be a very tough game for Greece, who haven’t qualified for a major tournament in ten years.However, the ex-Leicester ace suggested his country could upset England with the right level of ball possession and adequate transition.Dabizas added: “I believe, first of all, the level of our ball possession will be a very basic criterion in regards to how the game will develop. The higher level of possession we have the better we will be able to absorb pressure from England. “That is the key point. To be able to have high possession percentages so that we can create the necessary conditions in transition as well, because I think it will be difficult to go to game management in a possession-based match with high percentages from our side, and certainly a lot will depend on transition. READ MORE SUN STORIES”That is why I say again, the players’ characteristics are very important so that they can maximise the specific conditions we will have to face in that match.”Ball possession and adequate transition so that we can create conditions to threaten England’s national team.” More

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    England stars spotted using new £2,000 secret weapon in training as Lee Carsley leaves no stone unturned to keep job

    ENGLAND stars have been spotted using a new training tool as Lee Carsley eyes the full England job.Interim Three Lions boss Carsley is looking to maintain his 100 per cent winning record with Nations League wins over Greece and Finland.England stars have been seen using a new £2,000 piece of kitCredit: GettyPush sled’s are designed to help develop an athletes powerCredit: GettyIt comes as Lee Carsley looks to maintain his 100 per cent record with EnglandCredit: RexThe first of these games comes around on Thursday at Wembley.However, Carsley, 50, has got his players trying out something new with a piece of kit worth more than £2,000.Stars including Jude Bellingham and Marc Guehi were spotted pushing a “power sled” in training.The equipment is used to help develop power in athletes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are said to be an excellent exercise for overall conditioning that focuses on strength development, speed and acceleration and torching calories.It is said to have a similar impact as a bench press by emphasising the arms and upper torso.Carsley suffered a triple injury blow to his squad as Kobbie Mainoo, Morgan Gibbs-White and Ezri Konsa had to withdraw through injury. Curtis Jones and Tino Livramento have been called up in their place.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe former England Under-21 boss also has a headache over the left-back slot.But he revealed bold plans which could see the likes of Cole Palmer played there due to his preference to have a left-footed option on that side of the defence.Lee Carsley welcomes back Cole Palmer to the England team More

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    Eighth-tier match postponed after two players are called up for INTERNATIONAL DUTY

    AN Isthmian League match due to take place this weekend has been postponed as a result of two international call-ups.Lancing FC requested to delay the clash after first team players Knory Scott and Luke Robinson were called up to the Bermudian national team.The scheduled match between Lancing and Three Bridges at the Bauvill Stadium has been postponedCredit: Chatham Town FCThe duo have been named in Bermuda’s squad to face Dominica in the Concacaf Nations League on Saturday and on Tuesday.Eighth tier outfit Lancing will therefore be left without them until next week.Due to the absence of Scott and Robinson, the Isthmian League made the decision to postpone the club’s upcoming trip to Three Bridges.A statement from Lancing read: “The Isthmian League have agreed to postpone our match away at Three Bridges, originally scheduled for October 13th, due to the International call-ups of Knory Scott and Luke Robinson.Read More in Football”Scott and Robinson have both been squad members of the Bermudian national team for some time and were called up to the latest squad last week to face Dominica on October 12th and again on October 15th in the Concacaf Nations League.”Both players would have returned to England in time for the initial date of Sunday October 13th but Three Bridges were unable to play at their temporary home of The Bauvill Stadium, Chatham, after the scheduling of a women’s FA Cup tie on that date.”A request was received from our hosts to move the date forward to Saturday October 12th but that would have meant Lancing fielding a weakened side for this important League clash.”The club would like to thank the Isthmian League for their understanding and club secretary John Rea for his work at short notice on this matter.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA new date for the match will be set within the next six weeks.Lancing currently sit 20th in the Isthmian League South East Division, with Three Bridges in 16th.’Leeds fans better than Sunderland’ plus bust ups and bug pranks | Jack Grimmer – What the EFL?!Bermuda have several national team stars who play non-league football.Captain and goalkeeper Dale Eve recently played for Walsall Wood in the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands.Midfielder Roger Lee plays in the same league for Rugby Town.And forward Kane Crichlow stars for National League South side Chelmsford City. More

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    How England lined up last time they played Greece including mix of Golden Generation and forgotten men

    IT has been 18 years since England last faced Greece in a football match.When the two sides last met, ‘Hips Don’t Lie’ by Shakira was top of the UK music charts, ‘Snakes on a Plane’ was just about to be released in cinemas and the iPhone hadn’t even been invented yet.England last faced Greece in 2006Credit: ReutersIt was Steve McClaren’s first match in chargeCredit: PA:Press AssociationThe England squad, unsurprisingly, also looked completely different.’Golden Generation’ stars Gary Neville, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand were among the players named in the starting line-up on August 16, 2006.It was Steve McClaren’s first match in charge of the Three Lions and he got off to a flying start with a dominant 4-0 win.Terry, Lampard and Peter Crouch all got on the scoresheet for England on the night.Read More in FootballIt was a huge relief for McClaren, who raised eyebrows with his decision to drop national icon David Beckham just days prior.Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson started between the sticks for England before being replaced by Chris Kirkland at half-time.The back four was made up of Neville, captain Terry, Ferdinand and Ashley Cole.Lampard, Stuart Downing, Owen Hargreaves and Steven Gerrard lined up in midfield.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHow England lined up against Greece in August 2006John Terry had just been handed the captain’s armbandCredit: PA:Press AssociationPeter Crouch got on the scoresheet at the match at Old TraffordCredit: AFPSteven Gerrard lined up in midfieldCredit: GettyAnd former Liverpool striker Crouch partnered Jermain Defoe in attack.Kieran Richardson, Aaron Lennon, Jamie Carragher, Darren Bent and Wayne Bridge were among the used substitutes in the friendly, while the likes of Ben Foster, Phil Neville, Michael Dawson and Jermaine Jenas remained on the bench.Gus Poyet reveals England weaknesses Greece can expose to cause massive upset Flash forward back to now, England interim boss Lee Carsley has a strong squad to pick from.Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and Declan Rice are all expected to feature against Greece this week.England will be looking to go top of Group B2 in the Nations League by the end of the international break. More

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    England add two players to Nations League squad as Lee Carsley calls up star with one Premier League start this season

    ENGLAND have called up Curtis Jones and Tino Livramento for games against Greece and Finland.The pair are both uncapped at senior level but played under Lee Carsley for England Under-21s.Jones and Livramento have represented England at Under-21 levelCredit: GettyLee Carsley has managed the pair in the pastCredit: AlamyJones, 23, was first called up earlier this year and he returns to the squad despite making just one Prem start this season.A muscle injury kept him sidelined for the start of the campaign, but he returned at the weekend for Liverpool as they visited Crystal Palace.And England boss Lee Carsley is already well aware of what he offers, having managed the youngster with England U21s.Jones scored the winner for England in the final of the 2023 U21 Euros and he could be set to win his first cap at Wembley against Greece.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLivramento, 21, will be hoping for the same after missing out on a cap when he was called up to the squad for the first time last month.The full-back has been a regular for Newcastle this season and his ability to play on the right or left flank means he could be a spot in Carsley’s team.England do not have a recognised left-back in their 23-man squad, though Levi Colwill or Rico Lewis could fill in if Livramento is overlooked.Ezri Konsa could have been an option but he has pulled out of the squad due to injury.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe is joined on the treatment table by Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Gibbs-White.While Jack Grealish has a knock and Harry Kane is undergoing an individualised training programme – but both could featured over the weekend.‘I’d hate to be Liverpool right now’, say fans after seeing what Bellingham did for Alexander-Arnold on England duty More