Why is Jude Bellingham not playing for England in Nations League against Finland?

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Evening Standard

·11 de setembro de 2024

Why is Jude Bellingham not playing for England in Nations League against Finland?

Lee Carsley without a number of key stars for first camp in charge of Three Lions

England are back at Wembley for the first time since Gareth Southgate’s summer departure as they host Finland tonight.

Vídeos OneFootball

Lee Carsley has since taken charge of the Three Lions on an interim basis, and looks set to get a run of fixtures to prove he is the man to get the full-time job.

It was a strong start for Carsley, as England eased past Ireland in Dublin on Saturday to begin their Nations League campaign in successful fashion.

There were was certainly real attacking intent from England, particularly in the first-half, and Carsley will be keen for that to be on display for the full 90 minutes tonight.

He is expected to tweak his starting lineup slightly, with Rico Lewis, Ezri Konsa, John Stones and Angel Gomes all likely to be brought into the side.

However, Jude Bellingham will once again not be involved for the Three Lions.

The midfielder suffered a muscle injury during a Real Madrid training session last month, confirming the setback in an Instagram post at the time.

He wrote: “Nothing I hate more than missing games but trying to see the positive side and maybe my body is telling me it needs a bit more rest after a busy year.

“I’m very frustrated but I’ll be supporting the lads like a fan until I can rejoin them again in my best and strongest form. Thanks for your messages of concern and support.”

It is not believed to be a serious issue, but Bellingham was not called up to the England squad for matches against Ireland and Finland.

The Three Lions are also without Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden, who were initially named in Carsley’s squad but withdrew last week.