Carsley's England built around new star as Ornstein confirms overdue recall

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 3 Oct 2024 12:28 BST
• 3 min read

Cole Palmer will be the centre-piece of Lee Carsley's England plans as the nation prepares to face Greece and Finland in the Nations League, according to reports.

The Telegraph has revealed that Palmer will be named in the England squad and there are no fresh injury concerns.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Conference League game against Gent on Thursday night, head coach Enzo Maresca said of the player's international call-up: “We played some games without Cole, but for us, Cole is something extra that you need. We also need to think a bit to protect some players. They need that. There is a reason behind it and I think Cole needs to be protected.”

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It's thought that England interim manager Carsley will look to build the team around Palmer, who has arguably been the best Premier League player so far this season. The former Manchester City youngster came on as a substitute and clawed back the game level when England faced Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Solanke is picked for England return

Meanwhile, David Ornstein has reported that Tottenham man Dominic Solanke has been called up by England. The 27-year-old has just a single England cap to his name from 2017 but is now in contention.

Solanke has three goals in six games for Tottenham since moving from Bournemouth during the summer window.

He netted 21 times in 42 games for the Cherries last term but was not included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championship, with Harry Kane, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins selected ahead of him for the competition in Germany.

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He last played for England when he was at Liverpool in November 2017, coming on as a substitute in a friendly against Brazil, but now he is set to be brought back into the senior side.

In-form Aston Villa attacker midfielder Morgan Rogers, though, will be made available in the Under-21s only. Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, James Maddison and West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen are also set to be omitted.