England star trio pull OUT of Lee Carsley’s first squad for games against Ireland and Finland with lingering injury issues
- Three of England’s senior stars have withdrawn from Lee Carley’s latest squad
- The trio have all returned to their respective clubs to deal with injuries
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off!, available wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes every Monday and Thursday
Lee Carsley on Tuesday night lost three key members from his first squad as England’s interim manager as Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden pulled out of the camp ahead of this month’s Nations League fixtures.
Chelsea’s Palmer, who got England’s only goal in the Euro 2024 final, and Aston Villa’s Watkins, who scored the winner in the semi-final, have returned to their clubs to continue rehabilitation for ongoing issues after being assessed by Three Lions staff at St George’s Park.
Manchester City’s Foden did not report for duty on Tuesday because of illness and has likewise withdrawn, having only managed 45 minutes this season for his club. That came on the opening day when he was a half-time substitute in City’s 2-0 win at Chelsea.
England on Tuesday night said no further additions to the squad were planned for the time being ahead of their Nations League clashes with the Republic of Ireland this Saturday and Finland on Tuesday.
The issues affecting Palmer and Watkins have not been specified, with both having started all three of their clubs’ Premier League games this campaign. Palmer previously complained of a hamstring problem following Chelsea’s home win over Servette in the Conference League, but head coach Enzo Maresca insisted it was not serious and he has played three times since.
Phil Foden, Cole Palmer and Ollie Watkins have left England’s team and returned to their respective clubs to receive treatment on ongoing issues
England’s camp reported for training on Tuesday as the Three Lions met new interim manager Carsley for the first time
Phil Foden (left) is struggling with illness while Cole Palmer (right) will return to Chelsea with an injury
Meanwhile, Adam Wharton has also withdrawn from England Under-21 duty amid ongoing fitness problems. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner warned the Football Association that Wharton’s ‘issues with his body’ made international duty appear unwise.
The 20-year-old was a surprise omission from Carsley’s first England squad but did receive an Under-21 call-up by interim coach Ben Futcher. Despite starting all three Premier League matches, Glasner claimed that Wharton – thought to be managing a groin injury – has not been able to train properly with Palace so far this season.
Wharton has only featured once for the Under 21s, during a friendly in March, and was quickly elevated to the senior squad ahead of Euro 2024.
Carsley had wanted the central midfielder to gain further international experience with the Young Lions for their two matches this month – a Euro qualifier in Northern Ireland on Friday night and a friendly against Austria three days later.
