September 3rd 2024.
Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Ollie Watkins have all returned to their respective clubs and will not be joining the England squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures. The team will be facing Republic of Ireland at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Saturday and Finland at Wembley three days later. This marks the start of interim head coach Lee Carsley's reign, following Gareth Southgate's decision to step down earlier this summer after Euro 2024.
England has confirmed that there are currently no plans to replace Palmer, Foden, or Watkins in the squad. According to a statement from the FA, "Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins, and Phil Foden will play no part in England's forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. The Three Lions squad reported to St George's Park on Tuesday, but following assessment, both Palmer and Watkins have returned to their clubs to continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues. Foden did not report due to illness and is ruled out of the matches against Republic of Ireland and Finland."
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola also confirmed that Foden is unlikely to join the squad as he is currently ill. "I don't think so right now," Guardiola said when asked about Foden's chances of playing. "I think he will not go, but I don't know. He doesn't feel well. But national teams decide." The 22-year-old midfielder has been in good form for his club this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists in the Premier League under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Palmer, who scored off the bench in England's Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, was also on track to earn his tenth and 11th caps for England before withdrawing from the squad due to ongoing issues. The Chelsea star was voted as the PFA Young Player of the Year for last season and has already started in all three of Maresca's league matches this season, recording one goal and four assists.
At his opening press conference as England's caretaker manager, Carsley expressed his pride and excitement for the challenge ahead. "I think it is a real proud moment for my family and myself," he said. "It has been a really hectic couple of weeks getting my head around the magnitude of the job, getting around to see as many matches as I can. I understand I am in a really privileged position and I am excited to meet up with the players."
Carsley also acknowledged the differences in the team since Southgate and Steve Holland's tenure, stating, "I thought it was important we put some fresh faces in and put our mark on the squad." He added, "I think it is fair to say the job that Gareth and Steve did and the position I am picking the squad up is totally different to when they picked it up." The new caretaker manager will be looking to make his mark and guide England to success in the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
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