UEFA Nations League: Morgan Rogers picked in England

Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers is among five new players added to England's squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland. This change comes after eight players withdrew from the original squad. Interim manager Lee Carsley, who is overseeing his final two fixtures with England, has called up Rogers and others to fill the gaps. England will face Greece in Athens on Thursday, followed by a home fixture against Ireland at Wembley three days later. Carsley is set to hand over the managerial duties to Thomas Tuchel after this international break, but he will have to cope without a number of key senior players. Seven players from the Premier League's top four clubs are absent, including high-profile names such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden. The withdrawals leave Carsley with limited options as he prepares for these final two games, marking an unexpected and challenging end to his stint as interim coach.

With a mix of seasoned internationals unavailable and fresh faces in the squad, Carsley’s task will be to ensure England finishes strong in their Nations League campaign, despite the disruptions caused by these withdrawals. The squad changes reflect the challenges often faced during international breaks, particularly when injuries and club commitments prevent top players from joining their national teams.

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has also withdrawn from the England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches. Among the fresh faces called up is 22-year-old attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers, who earns his first senior England call-up following impressive performances for Aston Villa this season. Rogers has been in excellent form under Unai Emery, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

Joining Rogers in the squad are West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, and uncapped players Tino Livramento of Southampton and James Trafford, who plays as a goalkeeper for Burnley. These players will add fresh energy and depth to the squad as they prepare for their Nations League fixtures against Greece and Ireland.

Arsenal’s Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, both key members of the squad, have been forced to withdraw after suffering injuries during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea. Rice and Saka were both substituted in the second half of the match, which has led to their absence from the upcoming international fixtures. This leaves interim manager Lee Carsley with a squad that is missing several established stars ahead of his final games before passing the baton to Thomas Tuchel.

Trent Alexander-Arnold will miss England's upcoming Nations League fixtures after suffering a hamstring injury in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Aston Villa. However, the right-back is expected to make his return later this month. Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed surprise at Jack Grealish’s inclusion in the squad, given that the winger has not played for his club since October 20. Grealish’s lack of match fitness has raised questions about his place in the squad, but interim manager Lee Carsley has kept him in the mix for the final Nations League fixtures.

After these games, Carsley will return to his position as manager of the England Under-21s, with Thomas Tuchel set to take over as senior team boss in January. England face Greece in Athens, and a loss would severely damage their chances of securing automatic promotion from the second tier of the Nations League. A defeat would leave England with a steep hill to climb in the final group stage matches, putting further pressure on Carsley in his last matches before Tuchel’s arrival. The outcome of these games will be crucial for England’s ambitions in the competition.