Lee Carsley could opt to name an experimental XI for England’s Nations League clash against Greece at Wembley.
The Three Lions welcome the Euro 2004 champions to the Home of Football on Thursday night – live on talkSPORT.
Carsley is preparing for his third and fourth matches as interim England bossGetty
England are looking to make it three wins on the bounce following Carsley‘s appointment on an interim basis.
But if the ex-Everton midfielder backs up what he said in his press conference last week following his squad announcement, he could name a bold new-look XI.
Carsley raised eyebrows when he stated that Chelsea playmaker Cole Palmer could help solve England’s left-back problem.
When asked if Trent Alexander-Arnold could play there, Carsley then stated two of England’s best attacking players could do a job there.
He said: “Yeah, he [Alexander-Arnold] can play there.
“Bukayo [Saka] 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.”
Carsley’s view didn’t go down well with talkSPORT co-host Alan Brazil, while Arsenal Invincible Ray Parlour urged the 50-year-old to start Palmer in an advanced role.
And there remains question marks over the fitness of skipper Harry Kane, who picked up a minor knock for Bayern Munich on Sunday.
Meanwhile Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Gibbs-White have all pulled out of the squad due to their own injury problems.
Palmer could be in line for a shock appearance at left-back going by Carsley’s recent wordsAFP
Kane could be rested for England’s clash with Greece after going off injured against Eintracht FrankfurtGetty
Here talkSPORT.com takes a look at how England could face Greece in Kane’s potential absence – with a major shuffle in defence.
Starting between the sticks will likely be Jordan Pickford – fresh from his penalty heroics for Everton in saving Anthony Gordon’s spot-kick in their 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
Slotting in at right-back in a 4-2-3-1 formation may be Trent Alexander-Arnold – despite Kyle Walker’s return to international duty.
The Liverpool man started in both of Carsley’s first two matches in charge of England last month against Ireland and Finland.
With Konsa injured and Harry Maguire omitted, a centre-back pairing could then consist of John Stones and Marc Guehi.
The duo played alongside each other for England at Euro 2024 – which included the 2-1 final defeat to Spain.
And if Carsley sticks true to his pre-match words, he could incredibly deploy Palmer at left-back.
Should he do so, it would be the first time that the 22-year-old, who has 11 goal contributions from seven Premier League games this term, would have played in the position in his senior career.
Moving onto the midfield, and Carsley could opt for a double-pivot consisting of Declan Rice and Angel Gomes.
The pair were the preferred option by Carsley in England’s last match in September – a 2-0 win against Finland.
With Jude Bellingham back available following his leg injury, he could then start in the No10 role ahead of Phil Foden.
Palmer has dazzled in his seven top-flight outings this season – and would be wasted at left-back
Featuring on the right wing would be Bukayo Saka, who is one goal away from becoming Arsenal’s all-time top scorer for England with 13 strikes.
Gordon may then slot in on the opposite flank ahead of Jack Grealish, with the Magpies forward awaiting his first international goal.
And should Carsley opt to rest Kane, Ollie Watkins could be elected to lead the line instead of Dominic Solanke.
This could be how England start Greece in the Nations League on Thursday
