England expected XI for Greece clash as Lee Carsley makes bold Harry Kane call

Lee Carsley is set to catch headlines once again as he names his England XI against Greece on Thursday evening.

The Three Lions have travelled to Athens in search of revenge of falling to defeat to Greece last month at Wembley. The Euro 2024 finalists compete in their final matches before Thomas Tuchel takes over in the new year as Carsley's interim spell comes to a close.

The former Everton midfielder has been unafraid to make bold decisions and did not start a striker in the last match against Greece. On this occasion, Carsley's hand in selection has, in part, been forced by withdrawals as nine players have dropped out of the England squad.

Captain Harry Kane was critical of his teammates as a result. He told ITV : “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.

“Gareth was on hot on that and he wasn’t afraid and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players. It’s a shame this week obviously. Yeah, I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit."

However, despite those comments, Bayern Munich striker Kane is set to be left out of the starting XI. Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins instead is to be handed an opportunity to lead the line.

Jordan Pickford is expected to return to guard the England goal after having to watch from the bench against Finland last time out. The Everton shotstopper had a difficult night against Greece in October.

England's expected starting XI versus Greece
(Image: Reach)

Carsley's ambition is to select an attacking lineup. “The type of team I will pick – as you can probably guess – will be quite attacking," he said.

"That’s the way I coach and how I want their attitudes to be, I want to attack. Hopefully that will work out well."

Curtis Jones is set to be rewarded for his recent Liverpool form and provide the basis of midfield alongside Atletico Madrid ace Conor Gallagher. They are set to support Chelsea's Noni Madueke, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon in adittion to Watkins.

Newcastle United star Gordon declared his club side would not encourage him to turn down an England call, even with a slight knock. “No, that wasn’t a possibility,” said Gordon.

"There was no chance I would not come here. The staff here thought they could help me with the injury. They’ve done an excellent job because I’ve been training straight away. It’s gone to a certain extent.”

Expected XI: Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Guehi, Lewis; Jones, Gallagher; Gordon, Bellingham, Madueke; Watkins.

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