How will England line up in their first game under Lee Carsley? | OneFootball

The post-Gareth Southgate era kicks off today with interim England national team manager Lee Carsley set to name his first starting XI.

The Three Lions are preparing to take on the Republic of Ireland and Finland in the UEFA Nations League over the next few days, and Carsley has selected a fresh squad.

Jude Bellingham, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins, Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Aaron Ramsdale are not on the list for various reasons.

The former Under-21 manager can afford to blood youngsters against Ireland, and all signs indicate the youth will get a chance to shine.

Noni Madueke, Angel Gomes, Morgan Gibbs-White and Tino Livramento could all get their first caps as England look to begin their Nations League campaign with a win.

Carsley knows the youngsters, having worked with them during his time with the junior English teams.

Despite having a plethora of fresh talents at his disposal, Carsley will be expected to name a strong line-up against Ireland. England cannot afford a poor start in the Nations League.

He must decide between Newcastle United star Nick Pope and Everton’s Jordan Pickford in goal, while he must also pick one of the many talented right-backs in the squad.

Left-back is a problem area for the Three Lions, and Carsley might have to shoehorn one of his right-backs into that position.

Levi Colwill can also play there but may have to partner Marc Guehi or Harry Maguire in central defence. Ezri Konsa is also in the mix.

Midfield absences could see Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice continue their partnership, which served England well at the 2024 European Championship.

Anthony Gordon, Eberechi Eze, and Bukayo Saka will likely start behind Harry Kane, who remains captain.

England possible starting XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Guehi, Maguire, Colwill; Rice, Mainoo; Saka, Eze, Gordon; Kane.